AJC > Sports > Braves > Blog > Archives > 2007 > May > 31 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USSuccessful surgery … blah blah blah
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Just got the e-mail from the Braves with the update on Mike Gonzalez’s “successful” Tommy John surgery today in Birmingham at the House of Elbow & Shoulder Surgery, otherwise known as James Andrews’ clinic (sometime I’ll give you guys the description of that cutting-edge, cash cow of a clinic, which I got from someone who went there to observe Alex Fernandez’s surgery with the Marlins years ago).
Anyway, glad to hear things went well. Of course, the next time we get an e-mail saying surgery was “unsuccessful” will be the first time.
Can you imagine, “Joe Flamethrower had unsuccessful surgery on his right elbow today. I mean, really bad stuff. Total failure. Dr. James Von Wealth said he had no idea of what he was getting into until he cut into the elbow and realized he would need assistance, which wasn’t available. He tried to fix it anyway, but might have actually made things worse. We’ll know in a few months.”
OK, anyway … the Cubs series. Folks, the Braves couldn’t have timed this trip better. As poorly as things went in that Philly series last weekend, the Braves took to the road to face a Milwaukee team that is in free-fall and a Cubs team that’s right there with them, having lost 14 of 20 and eight of their last 10.
The Little Bears have hit .229 with five homers while posting a 5.22 ERA in their past 10.
They Braves don’t even have to face former Friend of Leo — just kidding — Jason Marquis. Which may or may not be a good thing. The ex-Braves (and ex-Cardinals) righty is 5-2 with a 2.93 ERA and .211 opponents’ average in his first season with the Cubs, but he’s 0-2 with 14.40 ERA in three starts vs. the Bravos.
And let’s take one more moment to reflect upon that seven-run inning yesterday, which had the stuff that could be a catalyst for bigger things for the Braves. OK, minute’s up. Moving on….
Before I forget, Rosebud: No, not Citizen Kane. Burger. I can confirm that the colossal, dripping, artery-clogging cheeseburger at Rosebud Steakhouse in Chicago is indeed one of the greatest food items ever prepared, or at least ever consumed by me.
I saw it rated as a top-20 burger by the food dude in GQ magazine last year (I carry around that now-tattered list, trying to check them off as I move throughout the continent), and I’d have to concur with his rating after waddling back from Rosebud, which is two blocks from the team hotel, where I’m staying this time.
And since the GQ writer got it right with No. 1 — the mouth-watering burger at Le Tub in my old stomping grounds of Hollywood, Fla. — I should have known the Rosebud rec would be solid.
Anyway, while dinner digests I thought I’d knock out this blog, to carry us through the game tomorrow. Rosebud, when staying near Michigan Ave., I’d highly recommend it.
Andruw’s tatt is really big: The center fielder had the massive spider-web tattoo on his left arm finished finally (at least I think it’s finished; god I hope it’s finished). Andruw doesn’t just go to any old tattoo parlor like you or I (personally I like Liberty Tattoo on Ponce in Atlanta, if they’d like to gimme a free one next time for the plug).
No, ‘Dru has the guy from Miami Ink (the shop that’s the focus of the TV show on some network not on my favorites programmable cable-remote thing) do his work in Atlanta. The spider web now starts a few inches below his elbow and goes all the way onto the top of his shoulder, with a bunch of symbols and stuff I don’t understand drawn into the design.
(Andruw also hooked Peter Moylan up with the guy, and Moylan got his pitching arm tattoo, which was already substantial, expanded all the way down to his wrist. He’s The Illustrated Aussie. His daughter’s name is in the middle of the design. (Did I mention Pete’s Australian. Why do all people from that country seem cool?)
I noticed some scarring on Andruw’s tatt yesterday in the clubhouse and asked him, and he said he slept without it covered when it was still fresh, and the scab got pulled off somehow. Anyway, he’s gonna have that part touched up.
By the way, I think he started to heat up at the plate about the same time he got the tatt finished. Or maybe not, but it sounds like a good story that way, so I’ll not check with him, because if he says no, that he got the tatt three weeks ago it’ll ruin the story. This way, we’re all better for not knowing for sure.
For the record, Andruw is 8-for-23 (.348) with two doubles, two homers, five RBIs and one strikeout in his current six-game hitting streak, after going 11-for-73 (.151) with one homer, 12 RBIs and 26 strikeouts in his previous 20 games.
He had 20 strikeouts in 41 at-bats over his last 11 games before this little streak, and now he’s got one strikeout in six games. I’m thinking a homer binge might be near. Or another tattoo.
Difference in clubhouse digs: In going from a series at Milwaukee’s Miller Park to one at Chicago’s Wrigley Field, the Braves will experience radical change in clubhouse size and amenities, not to mention less cheese and sausage products.
Miller Park had a huge clubhouse, leather couches, big screen TVs, DVDs, and amenities your kids would love including big canisters of jawbreaker candy on each card table around the clubhouse, and a video-game room with the Golden Tee golf that Frenchy, Smoltz, McCann and others must have about worn out over three days.
Now, we’re at Wrigley, where the visitor’s clubhouse is virtually the same as it was 30 years ago, maybe even the same as it was 70 years ago (I don’t know if they’ve remodeled it along the way). It’s cramped, too hot, with no rooms for the players to go for privacy (away from us) other than a tiny food room and the training room. And the TV’s are like something in a truck-stop gas station, where the attendant watches horrible overnight TV with an antennae that brings in only the 2-1/2 fuzzy stations he can get out in the middle of Anywhere Rural.
One could hurt himself walking down the long, rickety stairway from the clubhouse to the long, dank, horrible-smelling tunnel/hallway that leads to the visiting dugout and the field (yes, there’s a urinal there to your right, no door, no room, just a urinal in the hallway behind the dugout, left over from an era when ladies wouldn’t have walked this tunnel). It’s like a wine cellar in that tunnel, only it smells like mold and mildew, which it should since it’s full of mold and mildew.
But the park is incredible. Wouldn’t trade the stink and mildew and crumbling concrete for modern newness. But that’s just me. I like decrepit, I guess.
Daytime raking: The Braves are 10-8 in day games despite a league-high 5.82 ERA (giving up 13 runs three times in 15 days in day-game losses at Pittsburgh and Boston and home vs. Philly tends to inflate the ‘ol day ERA).
The Braves are in the NL’s top five in day-game hitting, lead by Matt Diaz at .404 (19-for-47), though all but one hit was a single. Salty’s hitting .389 (7-for-18) with a homer and four RBIs in seven day games. Willie Harris is 6-for-16 (.375) with three extra-base hits in seven day games.
However, The Man of Daylight Ball has been Edgar Renteria, batting .370 (27-for-73) with five doubles, four homers and 15 RBIs in 17 day games. Wow.
Couple more stats: Kelly Johnson has been on base 90 times, which was tied with Hanley Ramirez for fourth-most in the NL before Thursday. Todd “Homers Ain’t For Me Anymore” Helton led with 101, followed by Jose Reyes (94) and Chase Utley (93)…. Scott Thorman’s .200 average (18-for-90) in May was tied for fifth-worst in the NL before Thursday’s month-ending games. SD’s Khalil Greene (.170) was the worst, Philly’s Pat “Wasn’t I Supposed to Be a Star By Now” Burrell (.179) was second-rankest…. Cubs’ Alfonso “Wise Investment” Soriano has one homer in 86 at-bats at Wrigley this season. No, seriously, one homer. And hasn’t homered at Wrigley or anywhere else in 73 at-bats over his past 18 games…. Mark DeRosa, too nice and cool to deserve this fate, is hitting .231 with two multi-hit games and one homer in May. Then again, he’s rich. And his wife’s gorgeous.
Let’s hear from the late, great Zevon:
“ACCIDENTALLY LIKE A MARTYR” by Warren Zevon
The phone don’t ring
And the sun refused to shine
Never thought I’d have to pay so dearly
For what was already mine
For such a long, long time
We made mad love
Shadow love
Random love
And abandoned love
Accidentally like a martyr
The hurt gets worse and the heart gets harder
The days slide by
Should have done, should have done, we all sigh
Never thought I’d ever be so lonely
After such a long, long time
Time out of mind
We made mad love
Shadow love
Random love
And abandoned love
Accidentally like a martyr
The hurt gets worse and the heart gets harder
Comments
By OrrMyGodHeSucks
May 31, 2007 11:13 PM | Link to this
Anything on Chipper yet?
By fastasballs
May 31, 2007 11:15 PM | Link to this
??????
By Kentavo
May 31, 2007 11:16 PM | Link to this
I expect Soriano’s HR total to rise this weekend - he usually murders the Braves - and in Wrigley? Shudder the thought.
By Patrick
May 31, 2007 11:17 PM | Link to this
DOB,
One of your better blogs of the year! Great Humor, helped get me through a looong day of work.
Oh yeah, being a resident of Chicago, if you’re looking for another good restaurant. Head to the Captiol Grill downtown for one of the best steaks you’ll ever have!
See you at the game, Friday and Sunday!
By Randy
May 31, 2007 11:21 PM | Link to this
Port of Call down in New Orleans anywhere on that hamburger list? Shredded cheddar on top. Every burger comes with a baked potato. Not to mention the best bloody mary in the world.
By fastasballs
May 31, 2007 11:24 PM | Link to this
DOB, You da man. Your new blog answered every question & more that I was going to ask about the Braves & day games.
I see TBS has the game tomorrow. How many times are we going to hear “swung on & belted”? Chip saw enough games there so he should have a good idea if a ball is leaving the yard, well maybe not.
What’s the weather like tomorrow? Wind in/wind out?
By David O'Brien
May 31, 2007 11:24 PM | Link to this
OrrMyGod, it was an off day. No workout. As we’ve said all along, decision on Chipper tomorrow.
By IlliniBrave
May 31, 2007 11:27 PM | Link to this
DOB: As an Illini, who always catches the Braves when they come to Wrigley, you are dead right about the place. It’s almost a spiritual experience to go to a game there. Unfortunately, I can’t make it this time - damn!
And thanks for all the stats which confirmed our gut feeling that:
By David O'Brien
May 31, 2007 11:33 PM | Link to this
Randy, Oh my, I can’t believe there’s another PORT OF CALL aficionado here. How ‘bout the mushrooms they put on those burgers? And the incredible juke box at that great dive. Do you know if it got messed up by Katrina?
Oh, man you just got me hankering to get bacl down to New Orleans. My sister used to live down there, and turned me on to Port Of Call. Went there every day in my two years going to Jazz Fest.
Nevilles at Jazz Fest, Port Of Call, Tipitina’s Maple Leaf Bar… is that a great place, or what? At least it was. I haven’t been back since the hurricane.
You’re right, Port Of Call’s at the top of the burger list, but the GQ guy missed it. I’d put it up there with the best I’ve ever had.
Got a T-shirt from Port of Call. Still have it somewhere.
Hey, anybody ever eat at The Kine Burger in Newport Beach, or Huntington Beach? It’s one of the two cities, I can’t remember which (that was a blurry year, 1989, when I lived out in Newport). Anyway, that burger was at the top of the list, too. Don’t know if it’s still there, that restaurant.
Alright, time to walk over to Rush Street, soon as the last 45 seconds of this double-OT Lebronathon is over. But we might be headed to triple-OT…
By fastasballs
May 31, 2007 11:33 PM | Link to this
DOB, Don’t you have a lip syncing, line dancing, singing, & swinging locker room story you would like to share with the blog? LOL
By True Braves Fan
May 31, 2007 11:33 PM | Link to this
DOB: you forgot to mention that the Mets lost on Wednesday night, and Mr. Union, Tom “$$$$$$” Glavine took the loss!!!!!
By GTI in Chicago
May 31, 2007 11:35 PM | Link to this
Whoops! managed to post this on the previous blog just as you were getting the new one up. Ahh, timing…
DOB Yeah! Nice shout out for the old Mars Cheese Castle on the last blog, Dave. Sorry to read that you hit all that lovely traffic on what we call the “Edens” & the “Kennedy” Expressways here in Chi-Town. Someone should have warned you that you didn’t want to be driving into downtown Chicago anytime after 2pm or so - especially with those flash rainstorms we had this afternoon.
Anyhoo, welcome back to the land of Jeff Tweedy and Ozzie Guillen. Please keep in mind that the lovely sights of the city (those with the dominant X chromosome, I mean) are even easier to find out at Oak Street Beach than they are strolling the Mag Mile - Even if you do pull your socks up to your knees.
But back to serious baseball: As hapless as the Cubs have looked here lately, it actually should be a decent test for the Bravos. They’ll be facing 3 pitchers who all have good stuff: Zambrano, Hill and Marshall can all handle the ball pretty well. (Except that Big Z often seems to be his own worst enemy.) The Cubs real problem has been offense. Both Soriano and D. Lee have suffered some power outage this year - 2 guys they were really couting on for that.
I’m encouraged to read how well the Braves have been hitting in Day games, but equally worried about the pitching stats. Davies is prone to the long-ball and if the wind is blowing out at Wrigley tomorrow afternoon…
Interesting to note: I always liked Mark DeRosa when he was with Atlanta, and as much as I have a general distaste for the Cubbies, I was happy to see him get such a great contract in the off-season and then get off to such a great start. But the Whiney-Cubbie-Bug even finally struck him this week. Now that his numbers have cooled off, aparently he’s been beefing about how difficult the Cubs’ day-game-heavy schedule is to play on. This is a refrain that Dusty Baker tried to make popular while he was still suffering through his tenure here, and I was dissapointed to hear DeRo pick up the refrain. I think it’s a sign that the Blue Boys are already cracking and it’s not even officially into June Swoon season yet. I’m looking forward to seeing some good games for the Bravos this weekend.
By The Grinch
May 31, 2007 11:42 PM | Link to this
Port of Call in New Orleans? I think my sister used to work there. Oh wait, that’s a restaurant? Never mind. :-)
By ernesto
May 31, 2007 11:44 PM | Link to this
Great song by Zevon. Anyone for a little French Inhaler?
By The Grinch
May 31, 2007 11:58 PM | Link to this
Ernesto, I’ll leave that one alone.
G’night, all.
By 3trees
June 1, 2007 12:09 AM | Link to this
Great Zevon tune. What a record that is (the record jacket was great too, with the big Dirty Harry revolver and the mashed tates and peas).
Been a while, but I saw a post by CL earlier today so I figured it be alright to try again. I’ve been reading regularly, but Its just been to morose around here lately.
Honestly, I’m not exactly sure what to make of the team yet. They are still pretty young. Basically been treading water for a month. It think June will be telling. Is Chuck actually coming around, how will Cormier do (and not after just a couple of outings), can Chipper stay (get) healthy, what will Andruw do? Let’s see where those answers leave us. Not much else you and I can do (except cheer or boo… or both). It does appear that the injury bug-a-boo is still with us.
How cool is it to actually have Renteria on the Braves? Yeah, I know he’s lost some range, but he still makes some plays and he can HIT!
Good luck in Chi-Town Braves!
By GTI in Chicago
June 1, 2007 12:10 AM | Link to this
IlliniBrave: You know, that’s an interesting point you bring up about Renteria. (And heck, it is an off-day. Why not cast our eyes forward a little?) What do the Braves do with him when his contract is up after next season? There’s been so much talk this year and last about all the supreme middle infield talent we’ve got in the minors that will be knocking on the big door soon. Presumably, Edgar’s just been kind of keeping the SS position warm until one of those guys (Elvis, Escobar, Lillibridge) step up and lay claim. BUT, Renteria’s been absolutely solid for us out there, right? He’s only, what, 31 years old this year - Maybe not “coming into his prime”, but absolutely not anywhere near “over the hill” either. He’s a career .289 hitter with (I think) around a .350 OBA; he really is very good with the leather; and I think just his performance in the 3-hole this past few weeks with Chipper out speaks volumes about how valuable he is to our line-up. So what do we do with him after ‘08?
By meansonny
June 1, 2007 12:20 AM | Link to this
Coach
I have to agree with most of the 3:22 post. I don’t see a necessity for the AL in Chipper’s future. But I’m on board with the rest.
Go Braves!
By flbravesgirl
June 1, 2007 12:33 AM | Link to this
Was it Ami James or one of the other guys from Miami Ink who did the work? They are amazing artists. Wish Andruw & Pete had gone down to the shop so we could see them on the show. I love that show which is a bit ironic since I’m the last person you’d expect to get a tattoo or be interested in them.
By Chop Chop
June 1, 2007 12:38 AM | Link to this
“Anyway, glad to hear things went well. Of course, the next time we get an e-mail saying surgery was ‘unsuccessful’ will be the absolute first time.”
Well, DOB, I just hope we never hear that info from you about a Braves player. Might bring some excitement to your job, but it would also bring some boots through computer screens.
By snowball's chance
June 1, 2007 1:01 AM | Link to this
DOB, are you feeling happy?
Grinch, we haven’t conversed for a while, but if these lately negative bloggers want to know about negative shiite they need to read ” The Road”.
By David O'Brien
June 1, 2007 1:09 AM | Link to this
FlaBravesGirl, is Ami James the woman star of the show? If so, she no longer works there, according to Andruw. He told me they filmed that season a while back, and she’s no longer there. One of the guys does his work.
Chop Chop, didn’t mean to insinuate I wanted to see that e-mail. Just saying, every time they announce that surgery occured, it was ‘successful’ surgery. Of course, we probably won’t know if it was truly successful until about a year from now, right?
3Trees, great to have you and Carolina Lady back. Been a while, man. You gotta hang in with your team, through thick and thin, man. Besides, you could be following about 20 other teams with worse records (or however many it is).
Lebron’s performance tonight, nobody watch or everybody speechless? Stunning work. And mercifully, Stuart Scott isn’t hosting SportsCenter to soil the performance by calling him “BronBron” (Stu must be disappointed this has never caught on) or saying “I ain’t gone say nothing, but that ain’t right” after any replay.
For ONCE, the Jordan comparisons were legit. But just ONCE. Until he does it again and again … and again, he’s not Jordanesque. But tonight, he was.
By Sir Stealth
June 1, 2007 1:19 AM | Link to this
Put me down as another huge Port of Call fan. Been there multiple times before and after the hurricane and it hasn’t changed a bit. Great food, only problem is that it can be a complete night ender (sorta like a too comfortable chair you should avoid sitting in when “regrouping”). Take down that diesel burger and loaded potato, combine it with the dim lighting, you may not be having that crazy New Orleans night that you planned on. Better to get it out of the way for lunch and spend the rest of the day groaning it off so you’re ready by the evening. Of course, the drinks there are enough to flatten you themselves. Great place though.
Been sorta all over the place lately, and happened to have been in Atlanta, Philly, and New York over the past couple of weeks. Took in all three games of the Braves-Mets series loved it - seein’ Smoltz shut down Glavine and the Mets for #200 was one of the most memorable sporting events I’ve been too. If he ever goes down with anything permanently, it will legitimately make my summer several notches less happy, whether that is sensible or not.
Was in Philly when the Braves got swept and that just sucked. Still plenty of Phillies optimism in that town, need to make sure they don’t catch up and give us problems.
In New York right now and it’s hilarious how many Mets hats you see all of a sudden. I’ll give the real Mets fans credit, I have several friends from up here that are legitimate diehard Mets fans and always have been no matter how they were doing and I admire that - however, it’s a joke how this city all of a sudden turns to the miserable squad in Queens now that things are looking up for them and a meltdown is happening in the Bronx. Oh well, more people to be disappointed when the Braves take ‘em out by the end of the year.
By flbravesgirl
June 1, 2007 1:39 AM | Link to this
DOB, Ami’s the owner. Bald guy with a smart mouth. I’m not surprised Kat left, she wasn’t crazy about Miami. Personally, if I was in Andruw’s place, I’d get Chris Garver to do the work.
By geauxbraves2000
June 1, 2007 1:44 AM | Link to this
My wife is a Cubs fan and I am a diehard Braves fan. I work at a radio station that carries Cubs games. I obviously will root for the Braves, but quite a 10 game stretch in the geauxbraves household.
I went to the dentist the other day, and you know how those dentist chairs usually go up and down? Well, the one I was in when forward and backward, quite wierd I thought. Then the doctor told me to get out of the filing cabinet.
Nite all.
Geaux Braves!!
By Randy
June 1, 2007 1:49 AM | Link to this
Katrina didn’t touch Port of Call. About the only difference is that it’s a bit easier to get a table. Sir Stealth, agreed on the night-ending potential of Port of Call (and about 25 other restaurants in that town). Actually, very few of my favorites in Ol’ Swampy were hurt bad. I was just down there for the second weekend of JazzFest. Just recovered about now. Got to cap off my weekend with a late night set by Johnny Vidacovich at the Maple Leaf, first time there which is odd because my brother used to live just a few blocks away. Okay, cutting myself off, that town gets me goin….hmmmm, only a 7 hour drive from Athens…
By Ron
June 1, 2007 1:57 AM | Link to this
DOB, got a question for you? With the upcoming draft next Thursday, and I hear that the first 15 teams should be getting a top-tier talent, because the draft is really stocked, who do you think we will pick with the #14 pick? Just an estimated guess, what players are they targeting? I would think that they are going to pick the best on the board, regardless of position!!! Im not sayin it is good that we lost last year, but the way Baseball people are talkin about how great the draft will be this year, we will probably end up with a future All-Star, maybe!!!
By bsj
June 1, 2007 1:58 AM | Link to this
I saw the Bron-a-thon. He was indeed Jordanesque tonight. That was the quintessential “putting a team on your back” scenario. ‘Nuff said.
I’m anxious to see how the Braves respond to the big win Wednesday. It does seem like a good opportunity to get on a roll. But we’ve got to get something out of Davies. 7 innings, 2 runs max. That, by the way, should be the definition of a quality start, in my opinion. A 4.50 ERA is not quality, much less the 5+ Kyle is sporting.
I’ll be checking out Port of Call in a couple of weeks. I’m prepared to be amazed.
I’m a huge R.E.M. fan, and I’ll be in Dublin,Ireland at the end of the month when the band is performing live rehearsals for their new album. They’re playing 5 nights, all of which sold out in 10 minutes. They’re performing at the Olympia Theater. Should be righteous. I’m working the few connections I have to get tickets. Anyone with substantial roots in the Irish music scene?
By meansonny
June 1, 2007 2:00 AM | Link to this
Big game today.
Hopefully we can bust out the bats with Renty, Chipper, BMac, & Thor.
That’d make a great start to the weekend (especially seeing Chipper raking at the plate again).
By David O'Brien
June 1, 2007 2:02 AM | Link to this
Sir Stealth, great stuff. Thanks for that. Hey, you were there, you can tell the folks here who weren’t, how great was that crowd that night in Altanta on Smoltz’s 200th?
I thought it was one of the best responses I’ve seen from an Atlanta crowd, really strong by our city’s standards and solid by anyone’s….
The Chipper thing tomorrow could be pretty damn big, huh? I mean, if he’s ready to play, Braves could be in good shape these weekend (by the way, Zambrano hasn’t beaten them in six starts — 0-1 with a 5.17 ERA in his past six vs. Braves, after going 2-0 with a 1.50 ERA in two in 2002)….
Flbravesgirl, oops. Hope that dude doesn’t get wind of this blog and think I was calling him a girl. Hey, guess I better watch the show — or maybe just delete that post?
Nah, I’ll leave it. Hey, I didn’t know….
Dinosaur Jr. shows all three sold out solid at the Abbey Pub here in Chi-town tonight, tomorrow, and Saturday. Have to try scalping tomorrow night to get in….
The Lodge on Division Street was packed tonight, as always. That was one of the first place they took me when I started covering ‘ball in ‘95, when it was a writers’ bar (and scouts’ bar, and players’ bar, and fans’ bar). Great baseball and all-sports vibe there.
That and the Cubby Bear over in Wrigleyville, but the Cubby Bear gets a bit too over-the-top on game days, from what I remember (been a long time)….
A good end to the day when Jane’s Addiction “Had a Dad” and Hank III’s “Country Heroes” come on back-to-back on the shuffle, like mine just did.
By warren zevon
June 1, 2007 2:02 AM | Link to this
I went home with a waitress
The way I always do
How was I to know
She was with the Russians too
HAH
Still dead but glad ya’ll remember me
By Bob, Journalist
June 1, 2007 2:10 AM | Link to this
Well, I just put a “rant” on the previous Blog … started it earlier in the evening and missed the New Blog being posted … watched CNN reporting on School Kid Murders in the windy city tonight … 28 during the school year just ending!
Maybe it’s best left on the previous Blog … but, as I said there … going from kids carrying water guns and cap pistols to school … to metal detector screenings for automatic weapons may be a natural progression but it’s not what I would call good progress or a good trend … it’s obviously not confined to Chicago and something must be done before it’s too late … pardon my belaboring the obvious by adding “if it’s not already”!
David, 30 years ago, you could walk most parts of Chicago at night and while you might be propositioned a few times, feel relatively safe … but no more … methinks the most recent school boy death occurred on a public bus, I think some kid emptied an automatic weapon injuring several and killing one … it just ain’t safe! I used to prefer Wrigley over the Apartments across the way so I could watch Harry sing … both were fun … but now, were I you, methinks I’d just hole up at the Palmer and watch the game on TV … we wouldn’t know the difference.
By meansonny
June 1, 2007 2:21 AM | Link to this
We could really use the win tomorrow.
We’ve got 2 more lefties throwing Saturday and Sunday for the cubbies.
Hill’s been succeptible to the long ball lately (7 HR’s in his last 4 starts). Maybe that’s a sign that we’re due against him.
Sean Marshall has been tough as of late. (You think the Chipper thing tomorrow might be huge) Imagine if Smoltz goes out there and puts up another 0 runs in his start on Sunday.
Having a scare like last Tuesday can really put MORE appreciation to what Smoltzy is doing with his bionic body. God I hope he’s healthy. Rumor is that the initial word will be out today after the bullpen session?
By David O'Brien
June 1, 2007 2:33 AM | Link to this
Meansonny, we’ll know after he throws on the side before the game. I’m pretty confident he’s pitching.
I just added a few things to the original blog. Not telling you what, because I already forgot. Stuff sprinkled throughout. I really should get some sleep.
Good night, Cornelia.
By Chop Chop
June 1, 2007 2:43 AM | Link to this
Yeah, DOB. I’m nicely toasted and about to pass out. I knew what you meant in your post. It would be kinda crazy to see an “unsuccessful” surgery e-mail…and very interesting to hear the slo-mo “NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!” emanating from the mouth of the surgeon who achieved such ignominy. I guess I could sacrifice Woodward to face such a fate.
I’m only kidding. I swears it. I loves the Woodward.
By Wayne in Utah
June 1, 2007 2:58 AM | Link to this
Just going in for the last inning, to close out the blog for the night, unless I falter, then Chop Chop might have to come in to rescue me. (CC, I look the Wickman part, so I assume the “blog closers role”. If you are tall and wickedly fast, you can assume the Soriano role tonight.
I missed the Detroit/Cleveland game, but caught it on XM while driving. What a display of total talent!
My prediction for tomorrow’s game is Braves 6, Cubbies 3. Davies will go 7 and give up 2 earned runs. AJ hits a 2 run dinger, and Chipper sits one more day, no word on the DL yet. KJ goes 2-5 with 2 runs scored.
Let’s hope I am correct on most of this. Maybe I will be wrong on Hoss.
Night all……
By Scott
June 1, 2007 3:26 AM | Link to this
I just hope Chipper is playing tomorrow. The lineup is just missing it’s heart when he is not in the game.
By serbok
June 1, 2007 3:30 AM | Link to this
geauxbraves2000 Funniest thing you have ever posted! thanx
By Berigan
June 1, 2007 4:13 AM | Link to this
Man, quite a few people on the graveyard shift here tonight!
DonCoburleone, on the other blog, you said you were surprised to see Woodward still here. The most up to date stats show Orr has raised his average with the 1 for 4 the other day, to a white hot .189, and has 2 RBI’s for the year. Woodward is hitting .242 and has twice the RBI’s (4) as Orr. 100% more! Woodward is clearly a stud, clearly he is molten hot, in comparison with Orr. If you are hitting better than the other two part time infielders, you have to stay, I’d say. While wasting time comparing stats, I see that Woodward actually hits the Cubs a bit, (2 HR’s 5 RBI’s .281 BA in 32 ABs’)So if Chipper can’t go, expect Orr to play 3rd.
Grinch, you say my advice to Carolina Lady was good about Toros was good….well, glad to hear that! I like helping folks….but while I might have thought she should get one, I am quite sure I never mentioned it here! ; ) What she needs to do is put a quadrajet on that sucker, along with a turbo 400 transmission(no belts inside that trans!) She will then be able to mow the lawn in 10 minutes, and will have much more time for this blog!
By LA Brave
June 1, 2007 6:27 AM | Link to this
you gotta get get off of of this zevon crap. what if i told u he had eczema (sp?) and read Danielle Steele novels in a tanning bed for 5 hours a day…and when a broke kid picked up a hundred dollar bill that Zevon dropped and gave it back to him, Zevon scoffed at him and told him he’d always be broke if he kept doing chit like that and he should have kept it, just before he got into his silver corvette with an idiotic personalized tag and screeched his tires and drove off…and it goes on and on…douchebag, one hundred percent
By ssiscribe
June 1, 2007 6:53 AM | Link to this
Top of the morning, everybody. Guess I should’ve been on here with DOB and the crew last night/this morning because I didn’t sleep much.
Now, the big fish (noted transition): I have accepted a new job where I’ll be writing, editing and managing from home starting in two weeks, for more money, allowing me more time to spend with my wife and kids. It’s played out over the past few months, and after careful thought, prayer and consideration, we made it happen yesterday.
And, it’ll allow the kids college fund to finally get going the way it should’ve been all along. Alas, enough about me, but thanks much to Grinch and CL and JJS, et al, for your kind words and best wishes. It will make it a lot easier to get to my kids’ practices through the week, and will make it a lot easier to get to Turner Field on weeknights. I’m blessed to be leaving a really good job for one I believe will be even better, and better for my family.
Now, Grinch (more transition): No, you’re not in the doghouse with my bride. I think before season’s end, we shall reconvene at Turner Field.
Now, baseball (transition by the noted Scribe, who also will be doing some freelance work from time to time): Big series for the Braves. Need to seize upon the momentum from the comeback win Wednesday to get rolling. Today is decision day on Chipper: I say stick Hoss on the DL if he’s not 100 percent, so you don’t lose the nine days or so you can retro him.
That’s it from here. Time to go to work … and start thinking about setting up the home office. Enjoy your days. DOB, enjoy Wrigley, which remains on my short list of places to go.
Here’s to a sweep this weekend in Wrigleyville. The Scribe abides.
—30—
By Ron Roberts
June 1, 2007 7:03 AM | Link to this
DOB… I’m living in New Orleans now, and can report that Port of Call is alive and well, and to the naked tourists’ eye, this city’s back and as good as ever, frankly. Living here is a different story, but those that visit will see pretty much all the things about New Orleans they’ve always loved.
Burger side note: There’s another great burger down here, from a place simply called New Orleans Burger. NOt as much atmosphere, but a damn fine burger. These people know food.
As a Georgia native, I have nothing but immense respect and admiration for this city and her natives. Resilient, tenacious, and loveable bunch of people. Saints Nation, to me, can be compared to the Red Sox or Cubs fan base. Just my opinion, maybe, but those people love their Saints, through thick and a lot of thin, and while it pained me to watch ‘em beat up on my beloved Dirty Birds, it did my heart good to see them enjoy success last year. They sure as hell deserved it.
Back to baseball… Alright, after ya put out Soriano’s Wrigley power-outage, I can’t help but ask….
What’s the over/under on Soriano’s home run total for this weekend’s series?
Soriano flat-out owned Atlanta pitching last season. Can’t help but think he’s licking his chops feeling good about a breakout weekend with our arms coming to town.
Let’s hope otherwise.
By Ron Roberts
June 1, 2007 7:11 AM | Link to this
And DOB… and anybody else… next visit to N.O., holler my way so I know you’re coming. We can hit the Port (or Central Grocery for a damn-fine muffaletta, or Pat O’s for a kick@ss bloody mary or cocktail, or Cafe Mesparo’s for a slammin’ po’boy) and talk Braves baseball.
By JasonInMaine
June 1, 2007 7:15 AM | Link to this
DOB,
Fitting artist choice seeing how the Braves are in Chicago!
“Now I’m hiding in Honduras I’m a desperate man Send lawyers, guns and money The sh!t has hit the fan”
Regards,
Jason
By Yars
June 1, 2007 7:33 AM | Link to this
DOB……I couldn’t help but think of Bobby Cox while reading your description of Wrigley Field, the visitors clubhouse, the tunnel, the smell! I bet Bobby loves it, being that he’s so old school. I wish more players & managers were like that.
By dobfan
June 1, 2007 7:43 AM | Link to this
Dave,
Just want to say that reading your blog each day has been more fun and entertaining, and looked forward to — more than actually watching the games themselves.
Write a book dude, seriously. (But don’t quit blogging). I’d buy 10.
By Bailey
June 1, 2007 7:58 AM | Link to this
I thought I heard on the way in to work that the Marlins traded a relief pitcher, Messinger, i think. Anyone know where, and who they got?
Also, anyone know the extent of Beltran’s knee injury last night.
By JasonInMaine
June 1, 2007 8:16 AM | Link to this
Bailey,
I believe the Marlins got Benitez from the Giants in return for Messenger. Beltran is due to have an MRI today.
Regards,
Jason
By Bailey
June 1, 2007 8:20 AM | Link to this
Nevermind about the Marlins. They got Benitez from the Giants
By MEB
June 1, 2007 8:24 AM | Link to this
After Benitez’ double balk followed by game ending homer against the evil Mets I doubt he was the Giants player of the month.
By 22oz
June 1, 2007 8:29 AM | Link to this
Going up to Chattanooga tonight to see the Mississippi Braves play the Lookouts. I’m excited to see some of the kids play, of course when i planned this trip i thought Salty would be with the team. I still get to check out some of the others though, and its hard to beat a good minor league game, especially $ wise.
By Ron Roberts
June 1, 2007 8:30 AM | Link to this
Bailey, the Marlins got Armando Benitez.
I was in the press box at the Mets’ AAA affiliate, New Orleans Zephyrs during their game last night, and they’re saying Beltran’s day-to-day.
By Bailey
June 1, 2007 8:33 AM | Link to this
Should the Braves get another starting pitcher. Not will they, should they. I know Cormier is coming back, and that will help, but can two aces and three number 5’s be enough to make the playoffs?
By Ron Roberts
June 1, 2007 8:46 AM | Link to this
Bailey… two aces and three number 5’s is doing well for the Mets right now.
By Shaun
June 1, 2007 8:50 AM | Link to this
I remember folks who frequent this blog saying the Braves should have considered trading Andruw and going with Soriano.
Now Soriano hasn’t been bad but certainly hasn’t been worth the money the Cubs are paying him. And they are stuck with him for 8 years!! And he’s not likely to get better.
Speaking of Andruw, don’t look now but he’s now at .230 AVG/.344 OBP/ .433 SLG. His numbers are slowly creeping up to his career average…too slow so far but they are getting there. He’s now jumped ahead of McCann in OPS.
By kdbanks
June 1, 2007 8:55 AM | Link to this
DOB,
If I get married in Cornelia, you think that increases my chance of playing first base for the Braves, or lessons it?
If you want to go someplace cool while in Chicago, check out Marshall McGearty’s Tobacco Lounge at 1553 North Milwuakee in Wicker Park. It’s a cigarette version of a cigar bar, which is pretty fun to hang out at, even if you don’t smoke. They roll their own cigarettes their for customers, and serve Fat Tire in tall boys.
By Douger
June 1, 2007 8:58 AM | Link to this
Checked out the R-Braves in Rochester this week and came away convinced that Yunel Escobar is the real deal. I knew he could hit but came away impressed with his defense. I could see him making the adjustment to OF easily. We need to find a spot for him soon. Also liked Gregor Blanco and Acosta looked superb out of the pen.
By K-Sho
June 1, 2007 9:00 AM | Link to this
Whoever said the comment about Cox talking up AJ being the reason that he got all the gold gloves is a moron. AJ has proven over many years that he’s the best there is defensively. You have to WATCH the games, not look at stats. And listen to the PROFESSIONALS that all agree. As for the other issues…I think we need to give Diaz left field, move Willy to third. Cause we know Chipper is gonna be out. He did well that night when they put him in against I believe the Brewers. And he’s fast with a high avg. ANd we need another starter. Cormier could be the man, but when is he going to be back, and produce once he’s here? I think we should try to grab a starter before the trade deadline. How? I have no idea. And there’s the little problem with no solid lefties in the bullpen. No idea what to do about that. As for Salty, I think we need to give him more playing time, and more time catching. Maybe play him at catch every 4th game or so, and let McCann play 75% of the games at catch. Then also give Salty first base for 25% of the time, and that way he’s playing half the games, and getting some at-bats. Then we would have two guys playing 75% of the time, and one playing 50%. That way, if Salty produces half of what is expected, he’ll be worth more when we go to trade him. He’s a catcher, not a 1 baseman, and a good one at that. Since we’ve got McCann for 7 years or whatever, Salty’s gotta go. He will be worth too much to keep him for more than a couple years. I hate to say that, but it’s the truth when we just signed McCann on that long term contract.
And the Braves are going to win the east, and begin their second run of domination.
Just my $.02.
By Bailey
June 1, 2007 9:02 AM | Link to this
Good point, Ron. Who will get more money in the off-season…Andruw or Torri Hunter?
By 3trees
June 1, 2007 9:06 AM | Link to this
WZ - Yeah, we still remember you.
LABrave - I don’t doubt the stories for one minute. Never thought of Zevon as a friend, but dig his songs.
DOB - NEVER left the team (Braves or the blog), but it was so “nervy” in here that I couldn’t bear to join in. My memory ain’t what it never was, but I don’t think it was that bad last June. And that was a bad June.
Oh, man that Hill kid has a good curve! Hope he hangs a few.
Go Braves!
By Shaun
June 1, 2007 9:06 AM | Link to this
Here’s something I wrote back in January on the blog:
…Soriano could be one of the most regrettable free agent signings ever. He’s posted an OBP over .338 exactly once in his career. His career OBP is .325. Take away one year and it’s even worse…And he’ll be 31 on Opening Day. Maybe he has one or two more good seasons left, but he’s the type of player that’s likely to take a free fall very soon (see similar players Howard Johnson and Tony Bautista).
…the Cubs are just throwing a lot of money away at this point. They are signing guys that may or may not lead to a few extra wins when they are a ton of wins away from contention. Why not take that money and sign 4-5 really good players that could remake the team instead of one superstar whose production will likely plummet soon and a couple of mediocre veteran pitchers?
By David O'Brien
June 1, 2007 9:14 AM | Link to this
LA Brave, I just hope the idiotic tag on his ‘vette was “XCITABLE” or “WHEREWLF”
By Shaun
June 1, 2007 9:14 AM | Link to this
Who will get more money in the off-season…Andruw or Torri Hunter?
I think it will be Andruw. Hunter’s career OBP is .324 and SLG is .468 as opposed to Andruw (.345/.503). Plus Hunter will be 32 in July. Andruw just turned 30. Obviously both are great defenders but Andruw has had the better defensive reputation.
By Bailey
June 1, 2007 9:21 AM | Link to this
Shaun Who would you rather have for the money they will get?
By Arkansas Hillbilly
June 1, 2007 9:23 AM | Link to this
Alright Braves Fans. It’s time for that most unspeakable, four-letter word that is still leaving a bad taste in my mouth from last year——JUNE.
By Coach
June 1, 2007 9:33 AM | Link to this
Seven of the first eleven games this month we are going to see a lefty on the mound and then the Twins , Indians , Redsox and Tigers come calling. It’s put up or shut up time for the Braves.
By Ron Roberts
June 1, 2007 9:34 AM | Link to this
Andruw’s not gonna be as bad as he has been the rest of this season. This happens to him every season lately… he hits rock bottom, gets it through his thick skull that he’s not smart enough to figure his problems out on his own, listens to coaching and gets it together and goes nuts at the plate for a few weeks then settles in at an average pace.
So he’ll get more $$$, unless he settles for less intentionally to stay put in Atlanta. Ain’t banking on that w/his agent/slash/shepherd for the devil, Scott Bor@ss.
By Shaun
June 1, 2007 9:35 AM | Link to this
Bailey,
Here’s some more of what I wrote in January:
They [Lilly and Marquis] may be “vast improvements” but that doesn’t mean they are enough to make the Cubs contenders. And why blow your money on players that aren’t going to push you into a pennant race?
I think the Cubs’ biggest move was retaining Aramis Ramirez. He was obviously one of if not the best hitter on the market. And he’s young for a free agent.
I don’t think going after Soriano was bad, but eight years at $17 million per?! That’s a desperation move and they will most likely regret that after about two or three years. I’d be very shocked if he’s still anywhere close to a $17 million-a-year player within two or three years.
If I were the Cubs’ GM I would have gone after Lugo because my current SS can’t hit his way out of a soaking wet paper sack.
I probably would have made a run at Schmidt or Matsuzaka. Probably put the full-court press on Schmidt. And maybe gone after some cheap, under-the-radar guys that would give me solid innings like Bruce Chen, Tomo Ohka, Jason Johnson, Jerome Williams, Kip Wells—guys that I wouldn’t have to commit much money or a lot of years to, but may give me something unexpected.
The CF job would have been Felix Pie’s to lose (.294 AVG/.353 OBP/ .459 SLG, over 19.5 SB a season in the minors). Probably would have inserted Angel Pagan into the lineup and gone with the Murton-Pie-Pagan young outfield and signed a solid, cheap veteran or two to platoon/backup the youngsters—Jose Cruz Jr., Jay Payton, Trot Nixon.
I would have gone after either Marcus Giles or Mark Loretta to play 2B instead of a .273 AVG/.331 OBP/.404 SLG career hitter (DeRosa).
I would have gone after Speier, Mike Stanton, Joe Borowski and hopefully signed one or two of these guys to help solidify the bullpen.
Summary: C Barrett 1B Lee 2B Giles or Loretta 3B Ramirez SS Lugo LF Murton CF Pie RF Pagan and/or Trot Nixon, Jose Cruz, Jay Payton
SP Schmidt, Zambrano, Angel Guzman, Rich Hill, Bruce Chen (or someone similar)
RP Dempster, Speir, Howry, Stanton, Borowski
I may not win many more games, but I wouldn’t be flushing my resources down the toilet and tie my hands to only gain a handful of wins.
It’s not that the Cubs can’t afford to blow money on guys like Soriano, Lilly and Marquis—it’s that their hands are tied because those guys use up roster spots. And it may not be bad for those guys to use up roster spots next year or the year after, but in the 6th, 7th, 8th year of Soriano’s contract, it’s likely going to be a waste of a spot. And it will likely tie the Cubs’ hands to do what they need to do when they do have the talent to contend.
By Shaun
June 1, 2007 9:42 AM | Link to this
Bailey,
Or were you talking about Andruw and Hunter?
I’d rather sign Andruw for the money he wants than Hunter for the money he wants. (Of course that assumes that I have the resources to sign who I want).
If I’m the Braves, I probably stay away from both players and either sign an inexpensive free agent or go with a youngster in center or right (and move Francouer to CF) unless Andruw gives me a discount.
By David O'Brien
June 1, 2007 9:45 AM | Link to this
Today’s the 40th anniverary of the release of Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band. Great album. Not as great as London Calling (Clash), but great.
(OK, feel free to start firing away. But you won’t convince me, even though I’m in minority on this one.)
Anybody notice that Wednesday’s comeback win at Milwaukee came on the date of another anniversary of sorts? One you folks would like to forget, I’m sure. On May 29, 2006, the Braves lost 12-5 at home vs. L.A. to begin a 3-20 stretch that effectively ended their hopes of continuing the division-title streak.
It started the day after the Braves hit EIGHT HOMERS (wind was blowing out) in a 13-12, 11-inning win at Wrigley.
By MarkFrmChitown
June 1, 2007 9:46 AM | Link to this
DOB- where we partying tonight?? Might I recommend a couple bars on the north side? Galway Bay on Diversey/Sheridan (next to Duffy’s) is one of the best kept secrets in the city- great lounge bar…not swanky, still has a dive feel, with a great jukebox. And then there’s Jakes Pub on Clark & Oakdale (north of Diversey), best jukebox in Lakeview
By Erik
June 1, 2007 9:47 AM | Link to this
*And mercifully, Stuart Scott isn’t hosting SportsCenter *
I think you’ll get a kick out of the fact that Stuart Scott was covering the Scripps National Spelling Bee last night. He interviewed the 13-year-old spaz that won, and you could literally see him dying on the inside.
By Gil in Mechanicsville
June 1, 2007 9:53 AM | Link to this
Still scares the heck out of me going in facing a team coming off a long losing streak. Would rather go in facing a team that is play .500 or maybe 4-6 over last ten games. They just tend to be due. The baseball gods have a way of evening things up especially a team that has potential like the Cubs.
Nice piece Dave on Diaz and Harris. I have honestly liked Diaz from the time they first got him. Just seems to have a good attitude. I am still amazed at Willie C.’s production but some guys step it up when they get the chance to turn their career around.
ssiscribe Congratulations and good luck. The money you save in commuting alone will pay tuition. Just make sure you have a door on your office that closes to keep out distractions.
And Carolina Lady, we have not been formerly introduced as I am still in my rookie year but I have noticed your absence and am glad you have returned.
By Bailey
June 1, 2007 9:56 AM | Link to this
Shaun,
If you don’t go after Andruw, would you try to trade him to someone like CWS for Mark Buhrle (who is also a FA at years end.) This is an equal risk for each team, but it does help each team.
Next year: What about a young guy. someone mentioned earlier that Escobar could move to OF. Do you put Escobar in LF, Harris in CF, Francoeur in RF? I think that would work, if you add Salty to 1B. That gives you a line-up of:
Harris Johnson Renteria C. Jones McCann Francoeur Saltalamacchia Escobar
By Turnin2
June 1, 2007 9:57 AM | Link to this
DOB…. did AJ explain the reasoning behind the spider web tat? It’s a different one for sure…not what I expected (I’m not sure what I expected. That’s cool that Ami flies up to ATL for AJ, he’s an extremely talented artist — but they are all on the show. I’m having one of the Chris guys at Miami Ink do my next tat when we’re there this season.
By David O'Brien
June 1, 2007 10:01 AM | Link to this
Erik, great note about Stu. Did he say the spaz winner was “as cool as the other side of the pillow”? Man, I hope so. That never gets old….
Hey, good story in USA Today lifestyle section today about the great Tennessee music scene.
OK, gotta get ready and get over to the ballpark.
By Ron Roberts
June 1, 2007 10:01 AM | Link to this
The Beatles are alright, but I prefer the Eagles’ mid-to-late ’70s stuff, myself. My favorite album of late has been Marc Broussard’s Carancro, DOB. Also very stoked to see Chris Isaak’s coming to the HOB/N.O. in August. Got my tickets in advance of the sale date. Gotta love inside perks.
There, ya got me to talk music.
By Wayne in Utah
June 1, 2007 10:02 AM | Link to this
Shaun/Bailey: I gotta believe that with Andruw’s lack of conditioning discipline he is going to be a great candidate for a quick drop in performance level over the next 2-3 years. I agree with Shaun that we should not spend too much money on him. I would NEVER give him more than 3 years guaranteed and NEVER more than he is currently getting. I 3 years he is going to be a 5 mill a year player.
Just my 2 cents worth.
By Thrillhouse44
June 1, 2007 10:10 AM | Link to this
Was Hampton’s surgery unsuccessful?
Andruw is still taking heat for his conditioning, or lack thereof. But the dude put it in gear this offseason. Whether he was motivated by money (See “It’s All About the Benjamins”, P Diddy) or not, hopefully it’ll become a habit for him. Hey, if John Kruk can keep the weight off, why not Andruw?
By David-ATL14
June 1, 2007 10:11 AM | Link to this
FYI: Rheal Cormier announced his retirement yesterday from Richmond.
Let me stress Rheal not Lance. Will spare DOB countless questions hopefully?
By Bailey
June 1, 2007 10:23 AM | Link to this
Wayne
Do you try to unload Andruw for a starter? Your OF would be Diaz, Harris, Francoeur.
By Shaun
June 1, 2007 10:25 AM | Link to this
Bailey,
I guess it depends. If I have any chance at resigning AJ, I probably don’t trade him (I’d rather have AJ than Buehrle for the next 5-6 years). Also, if I’m going to trade AJ, I’d rather get two or three good, young players than one really good veteran.
Wayne in Utah,
I don’t think Andruw is going to drop off that much over the next few years. If I have plenty of resources and need an outfielder, I’m not afraid of Andruw at all. I just don’t know if he’s worth it for the Braves and a lot of other teams. If I’m the Yankees, Red Sox, Angels or Dodgers, I’m going after him.
As DOB says, no one questions Andruw’s effort. And advanced projection systems (yes, like PECOTA) rate Andruw pretty high over the next few years.
Nate Silver had him as number 44 on his list of top 50 MVP. (That’s if every player were a free agent under the current salary structure and service-time rules—http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2007/baseball/mlb/05/07/bp.ufd.first/index.html
By Shaun
June 1, 2007 10:30 AM | Link to this
I should add, no Braves insiders really question Andruw’s effort, according to DOB. Only fans who want Andruw to be more than he is (which has been somewhat understandable so far this season).
By Porkins
June 1, 2007 10:32 AM | Link to this
Erik, I saw Stuart Scott doing the Spelling Bee last night. That has to be the most consistently awkward broadcast on TV every year. The kids are in the strangest stage of development, socially inept, and all the rest. It’s still fascinating as hell, though. The kid who won doesn’t even like spelling bees.
And yes, I chose the Bee over the NBA playoffs. No regrets.
By Bailey
June 1, 2007 10:46 AM | Link to this
Shaun,
I understand the logic of trading him, but, where are you going to get 2 or 3 good young players that Andruw will OK a trade to go. I would love to trade him to TB for Crawford and a pitcher, but he wont let that happen.
By A-ville Ranger
June 1, 2007 10:50 AM | Link to this
Wayne Andruw can only trade himself.Well he has to approve any trade.That’s why if he wasn’t going to be re-signed,last year(while management had control)would have been the time to move him.Now JS would have Scott Bore-a* to butt smooch and I’m guessing it would have to be a sign and trade deal,which would be a complicated thing to do in season.
By FanWithNoName
June 1, 2007 10:50 AM | Link to this
Gil in Mechanicsville: I feel the same way about teams that are “due.” Apparantly the “right time” to face the Cubs was the last 10 games … but if it makes you feel any better, the baseball gods abandoned the Cubs decades ago.
By Shaun
June 1, 2007 10:55 AM | Link to this
Bailey,
Didn’t say it would be easy. I just said I would want two or three good young players. Maybe if the Braves fall out a contention a playoff contender in need of an offensive outfielder would be willing to give up some youngsters for him.
If the Braves are in the hunt (which I expect them to be) I wouldn’t move him unless I was overwhelmed.
I don’t see the Braves trading him. Too many things have to align just right.
By Shaun
June 1, 2007 11:05 AM | Link to this
Bailey,
Also, I may see AJ willing to accept a trade to a playoff contender if he thinks a big post-season could get him a few extra bucks.
But again, I think the odds are highly against a trade at this point.
By superadam
June 1, 2007 11:05 AM | Link to this
DOB I have not tried any of the burger joints you listed but have you tried Miss Anns on maynard terrace and memorial drive. its a really good burger at a resonable price. Try the ghetto burger if you get a chance and good luck finishing it
By Bushwacker
June 1, 2007 11:06 AM | Link to this
Is chipper the biggest wuss we’ve ever had. I saw an interview the other day with Kirk Gibson talking about playing injured. He said you play til bleeds,then you play til it breaks, then you get it fixed and play again!!! I think we should trade Chipper and use that money to keep Andruw who does play hurt!
By Turnin2
June 1, 2007 11:08 AM | Link to this
Shaun have you ever sat at a game recently (like April/May) and watched the coaching staff’s reaction to AJ’s swing and/or attempts at lolly-gagging it down 1b?
By Mike S
June 1, 2007 11:11 AM | Link to this
I was thinking about this DOB, Don’t you think a trade with Seatle including McCann and C. Jones for Ichiro. Maybe we could add Salty or James if they dont budge.
By Bailey
June 1, 2007 11:13 AM | Link to this
Shaun
Should we save the money from Andruw, and go after a starter in the off-season. Maybe even Buhrle. I know the Braves may say that Hampton will come back, but we’ve gotten burned by that 2 or 3 times. We need a Plan A, just in case Hampton (Plan B) can’t go AGAIN, right?
By teoa
June 1, 2007 11:14 AM | Link to this
DOB, take earplugs to the Dinosaur Jr show if you would still enjoy having the ability to hear afterwards…man, those guys are still bringing it.
Speaking of the TN music scene, check out the everybodyfields if you get a chance. Pretty unique take on traditional Appalachian music with some Jayhawks-esque harmonies…good stuff.
By Shaun
June 1, 2007 11:16 AM | Link to this
Turnin2,
Sorry. I’m not a mind-reader. Don’t know what the coaching staff is thinking.
I do know that DOB said sometime in the last week or two something to the effect of Andruw’s struggles aren’t due to a lack of effort.
And judging by past actions, I don’t think Bobby Cox would put up with a lack of effort or “lolly-gagging”. And so far I haven’t seen Bobby remove Andruw from a game this season.
By David O'Brien
June 1, 2007 11:16 AM | Link to this
BSJ, I’m totally envious of you, to be in Dublin to see R.E.M. That’s going to be incredible.
Speaking of pretty cool, sitting here in the pressbox at old Wrigley now, the division-standing flags flutgtering atop the scoreboard, the trains rumbling past. Ah, what a great place. Ballpark. Beautiful.
By Shaun
June 1, 2007 11:21 AM | Link to this
Bailey,
I don’t know. I don’t see many starters worth signing to big, long-term deals.
Maybe Zambrano. But he’s going to be extremely expensive.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/7671144/
Maybe the Braves could go after a couple of good, cheap options, if there are any.
By The Grinch
June 1, 2007 11:21 AM | Link to this
Ron Roberts, I dig that Broussard song “Home.” So you say the rest of the alblum is worth a listen?
Snowball, what I can’t figure out about “The Road” is how Oprah liked it. That kind of automatically means it has to suck, but I’ve read it and almost everything else by the author so I know it doesn’t. It’s like when two laws of physics cancel each other out, what do you do? I’m inclined to believe that Oprah was so busy devouring small children she had someone pick a book for her, the person accidentally had taste, and then was promptly fired and eaten when she found out but it was too late to change the outcome as it had already been announced. I’ll choose to believe that version, it makes more sense than she developed good taste in literature.
Sorry, berigan; I knew someone on here besides me recommended a Toro…thought it was you. That’s the third time I’ve been wrong on this blog.
Shaun, did you really need to go and invent “Bailey” so that you’d have someone to agree with you? :-)
Off to the gym.
By Lew
June 1, 2007 11:21 AM | Link to this
Shaun-Do you actually archive all your responses? Unbelievable. Wait-maybe not.
By A-ville Ranger
June 1, 2007 11:24 AM | Link to this
The best burgers I’ve ever had came from a little nondescript joint on east hwy 50 in the small town of Montrose Colorado where I lived in the 90s.The cook was a Brooklin transplant who used local beef and all fresh ingredients to create a variety of amazingly tasty goodies.
By Turnin2
June 1, 2007 11:25 AM | Link to this
Shaun I said “seen the reaction” not read the minds… it has been quite evident that they were as frustrated with him as any of us have been up until recently….
By journalist jimmy smith
June 1, 2007 11:26 AM | Link to this
is it mere coincidence that the whale shark has arrived in town by 18-wheeler on the day that scribe has landed scribe’s big fish? jimmy smith was convinced scribe’s big fish would turn out to be the new whale shark - but jimmy smith was somewhat skeptical about a fish fry for such a fish. still, the fish landed by scribe is most pleasing and this journalist wishes that journalist every success and happiness. now, burgers … has it been noted that dob passes the cheese castle then feasts on cheeseburgers when in chicago? call it a craving for denied-cheese. and who will be in the pressbox with dob today? and now, what lineup surprises will bobby cox have for braves fans today? and pete orr should play better closer to canada, eh? and will chipper’s thumbs be better today? a noted thumb-therapist has suggested chipper place chipper’s sore thumbs in a bowl of red beans and rice and slowly twist the thumbs left and right, left and right. is there a good red beans and rice restaurant in chicago? or perhaps chipper will be jetted to new orleans for therapy there (no wings joints, though). and lastly, the matter of chico cadahia’s uniform pants … this journalist has not seen chico cadahia in the dugout except when chico cadahia was seated and nothing can be learned from this. however, if flbravesgirl complains all the way from where flbravesgirl is about chico cadahia’s pants - then something must be done! as owner of this blog and spokesperson for the bloggers it is hoped that dob will approach chico cadahia before today’s game and rectify this pants situation. perhaps fatherly advice is needed - something like, “oh what a disgusting sight, your pants are too tight.” being an esteemed journalist, dob should be able to do this without fear of repercussion. let us know how it turns out.
By 1957 Braves Fan
June 1, 2007 11:26 AM | Link to this
Don’t we have trouble winning on Fridays?
By Shaun
June 1, 2007 11:29 AM | Link to this
Turnin2,
Also, Andruw has all the incentive in the world to lolly-gag this season, doesn’t he? Free agent. Possibly the biggest name on the market. I can see him not putting in the effort, can’t you?
By Bailey
June 1, 2007 11:32 AM | Link to this
DOB
You have probably said this before, but i’m fairly new to your blog. What is your favorite stadium to watc a game in? And…if it’s not the same, what’s the best stadium you have ever watched a game in?
By A-ville Ranger
June 1, 2007 11:35 AM | Link to this
Mike S We could sign over the deed to Turner field for a single slapping,low RBI guy while we’re at it.
By Shaun
June 1, 2007 11:36 AM | Link to this
Turnin2,
Frustrated with results or effort? That’s why I said I can’t read the coaches’ minds.
By BravesFanInRockies
June 1, 2007 11:37 AM | Link to this
*Bushwhacker,
You don’t want to go there.
Sure, Gibby played hurt. And he was an above-average OK player… when healthy. No future HOFer.
Compare the careers:
KG: 17 seasons, .268 BA, .352 OBP, 985 R, 255 HR, 870 RBI
Hoss (thru 2006): 14 seasons, .304 BA, .402 OBP, 1221 R, 369 HR, 1224 RBI
And he still rakes when he’s in the lineup. Just because you act like a linebacker on the field and play wgen you’re banged up but are ineffective doesn’t make you a non-wuss. Or even a great player (see Edmonds, Jim; Erstad, Darren)
I’ll take Chipper. And hope he’s feeling better.
By Turnin2
June 1, 2007 11:40 AM | Link to this
Shaun I can see Andruw doing whatever the hell Andruw wants to do. So the answer to your question is YES, I can see him not putting forth all effort. He doesn’t have to put on a clinic this year to be signed to some mega contract next year by a team like the Angels, or dare I say it, Yankees -so please don’t try to hand me that ‘contract year’ crap… HOWEVER, the heat really been cranked on him over the last couple of weeks specifically - maybe he woke up and decided he doesn’t know it all himself and needed to make the adjustments his coaching staff had been talking to him about for weeks… but then again - sheesh, must be sheer coincidence he’s suddenly started hitting better huh?
By ncscoots
June 1, 2007 11:45 AM | Link to this
two guys playing 75% of the time, and one playing 50%
DOB Math is now ubiquitous. Soon to be taught in Swiss financial institutions as required professional development.
(K-Sho, this isn’t a knock, BTW. Just couldn’t resist the positioning of the numbers in your post.)
By flange1
June 1, 2007 11:46 AM | Link to this
In terms of burgers,
Back in the day a place called the Grill in Athens, GA had the best burgers in the world. Great cold beer, they even chilled the pitchers for you. Spent many an evening with burgers beer and REM in Athens.
Peter Buck loved it too! Saw him in there all the time when they were in town.
DOB, do we have a lineup yet?
thanks!
By BamaBrave
June 1, 2007 11:46 AM | Link to this
Against lesser foes in the NL East, we seem to play down to their level…I just hope we don’t do the same with the NL Central opponent this weekend. Time to get some swagger back.
iTunes finally has a Beatle - McCartney’s solo and Wings stuff - available. When I first saw this I was excited. After browsing through the list, however, I realized what a wuss he became after getting busted in Japan. What a yawner.
To quote George Carlin…”the wrong two Beatles are dead”…
By P'Cola Michael
June 1, 2007 11:47 AM | Link to this
From the same SI.com article…
No. 9. Brian McCann, C, Braves, Age 23 (40) This is one special kid. PECOTA thinks that McCann is going to be a consistent .300 BA, 25 HR guy year after year. Since 1950 there are just eight catchers who have had more than one season in which they posted a .300-plus batting average and 25-plus home runs. Seven of those guys — Johnny Bench, Yogi Berra, Roy Campanella, Gary Carter, Carlton Fisk, Ivan Rodriguez and Mike Piazza — are inner-circle Hall of Famers. The other is Joe Torre, who should get his plaque in Cooperstown soon enough. As an added plus, McCann is a quiet, humble kid on a team full of big egos; even his recent finger injury came when he was trying to lay down a bunt.
By Renegator
June 1, 2007 11:51 AM | Link to this
DOB:
Any word on Hoss yet?
By Efrim
June 1, 2007 11:51 AM | Link to this
DOB
Did you see the pitchers we are facing against Florida at home???
The bats should wake up in that series……
by the way McCann .766 OPS.
By Ronald
June 1, 2007 11:51 AM | Link to this
How come Chip Caray constantly uses cute little nicknames for just about every team and player? The Bravos, The Buckos, The Cubbies, The Fightin’ Phils, The Brew Crew, and “Tommy” Glavine, “Chucky” James, etc. I mean, we all know he grew up in the clubhouse, and he’s on a first name basis with the players and all. And maybe I’m just jealous of that. But is it just me, or does that habit of his annoy the hell out of anyone else?
By NO CHOP ZONE
June 1, 2007 11:52 AM | Link to this
Sobering article by Mark Bradley. You’z guys might not want to read it though. It would spoil your wet dream about winning the division.
By TennesseePaul
June 1, 2007 11:58 AM | Link to this
Came in late on this blog, but so far I like the topics.
DOB: You’ve got me curious about Dr. Andrews place, so you better offer the description sooner rather than later. Or is this to be the teaser trailer for a movie 2 years from debuting?
As for the Peppers/Calling thing. They’re so different I’m not sure if one can easily say which beats out the other. London Calling is a totally different sound than Pepper. Pepper had more of a musical impact than London Calling, but even on that point one can toss in Pet Sounds by the Beach Boys and really start a debate. Pet Sounds is an amazing musical master piece. But really, why rank ‘em? We get the pleasure of listening to all of them at will which only highlights the fact that, stats or not, it’s a matter of personal preference.
Golden Tee. I love that game. I’ve been playing that since 97. Back when the screen was practically perpendicular to the action surface and only 2 inches from the roller ball. This was very important because there are two types of players: palmers, or thumbers. I was never a thumber, too much opportunity for an unbalanced swing. But back in the day, with those old machines, we palmers had a hard time. You’d go in for the power drive and finish in pain as your hand and wrist smashed into the screen. They have since redesigned it so the screen is angled and pushed further back. This makes for a much smoother stroke. What a game though. I am curious to know how each guy plays, thumbs or palm?
By Renegator
June 1, 2007 11:58 AM | Link to this
All this talk about burgers is making me hungry.
What about best burgers in Atlanta? Any recommendations? I like the Vortex myself but what are some other good places?
By Renegator
June 1, 2007 12:02 PM | Link to this
NCZ: I, for one, don’t think we will win the division - I think the Mets will run away with it. Here’s shooting for the Wild Card. But thanks for rubbing it in, pr1ck.
By Renegator
June 1, 2007 12:04 PM | Link to this
10Paul - I’m a palmer. I remember many mornings waking up with a sore hand because it smashed into the screen over and over. Good times…
By Bailey
June 1, 2007 12:14 PM | Link to this
Renegator…I agree about the division (and your opinion of NCZ). Remember, of the last 10 WS winners, 4 were wild card teams, and another were the worst team in the playoffs (06 Cards). Wildcard teams have a good track record. I’d be more than happy with that.
By Jimbo
June 1, 2007 12:17 PM | Link to this
Finally we are getting some recognition in the press:
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/multimedia/photo_gallery/0705/gallery.toughest.names.to.spell/content.9.html
By fastasballs
June 1, 2007 12:19 PM | Link to this
DOB, Is the wind blowing out or in?
No Chop, I guess that’s why they play the games. The Muts are very good, no arguement, however the injury bug seems to be stiking them hard as of late. If the Braves manage to make the playoffs, regardless if they win the division, they should have an advantage. Their record is very good against the division leaders. Face it they have the Muts number & unless Perez is going to start every game they would lose to Atlanta in the NLCS, if they met in it.
By Braveheart
June 1, 2007 12:21 PM | Link to this
Bailey, here is DOB’s stadium discussion from January:
http://www.ajc.com/blogs/content/shared-blogs/ajc/braves/entries//2007/01/
By Treadway
June 1, 2007 12:23 PM | Link to this
By NO CHOP ZONE June 1, 2007 11:52 AM Sobering article by Mark Bradley. You’z guys might not want to read it though. It would spoil your wet dream about winning the division.
At least it satisfies your wet dream of getting bumped in the playoffs again by a lesser talented team. Watch it happen.
By Treadway
June 1, 2007 12:25 PM | Link to this
By NO CHOP ZONE June 1, 2007 11:52 AM Sobering article by Mark Bradley. You’z guys might not want to read it though. It would spoil your wet dream about winning the division.
At least it satisfies your wet dream of getting bumped in the playoffs again by a lesser talented team. Watch it happen.
By flange1
June 1, 2007 12:26 PM | Link to this
Renegator:
I agree on the Vortex, but there is another place ITP call Roxx on Chesire Bridge that is my favorite burger in the ATL. Nice an medium rare with good fries, and nice cold beer!
By Ryan
June 1, 2007 12:27 PM | Link to this
DOB will there be a Chipper sighting today?? not only is he killin the braves lineup by not bein in there, but my fantasy team too!! team name, Lake OnTheriot … don’t get me wrong, i’m a braves fan, but you gotta love Ryan Theriot.
By geekboy
June 1, 2007 12:31 PM | Link to this
DOB — When will Salty start getting starts at first? Or Diaz? Sitting Thorman is the first step towards competing for the playoffs. Then finding a solid #4/#5 starter and another left-handed reliever.
By Lew
June 1, 2007 12:34 PM | Link to this
ChopZone-Dude, as much as you mention my name on this blog and now you’re talking of wet dreams-I’m getting very uncomfortable. I don’t swing that way Little Mosquito. Maybe, if you need a date that badly, you should go check out the Mets’ blog.
By Shaun
June 1, 2007 12:34 PM | Link to this
Renegator,
Five Guys. Don’t think they’re unique to Atlanta, though.
By NO CHOP ZONE
June 1, 2007 12:34 PM | Link to this
The braves no all about that. Don’t they Treadway.
By Catching
June 1, 2007 12:35 PM | Link to this
I wonder if anyone has considered having McCann take grounders at first too?
I hate the idea of trading a catcher with good potential. Catchers have short careers (behind the plate at least). Catchers also tend to get injured more then just about any other position (OK except pitchers).
The Braves first base situation is not a strength (at this point). So why not try to do a platoon of sorts. I’m not saying 50/50 but what if McCann catches lets say 65% of the time, Salty the other 35% and say at first the majority of the rest of the time and McCann say plays first 20% or so of the time. Then they’re also still both in the again should there be an injury/pinch run situation etc. Also perhaps you extend both players careers too.
By Bailey
June 1, 2007 12:37 PM | Link to this
Thanks, Braveheart. The only question i would have for DOB now is where was the best place he ever watched a game.
By Andy
June 1, 2007 12:41 PM | Link to this
DOB, been a long time reader and fan of the blog. Just got married this morning and the wife and I are on the way to see this afternoon’s game. Go Braves!!!
BTW, check out the bands The Kooks and Great Northern. Also can’t wait to see DMB and Allman Bros. at Peidmont Park in Sept.
By NO CHOP ZONE
June 1, 2007 12:43 PM | Link to this
Hey Lew, how’s that 4 1/2 game lead working for you? I know it’s early but I’m feeling good so far. Hope you guys stick around to make the taste of winning that much sweeter.
By Shaun
June 1, 2007 12:44 PM | Link to this
Shaun I can see Andruw doing whatever the hell Andruw wants to do. So the answer to your question is YES, I can see him not putting forth all effort. He doesn’t have to put on a clinic this year to be signed to some mega contract next year by a team like the Angels, or dare I say it, Yankees -so please don’t try to hand me that ‘contract year’ crap… HOWEVER, the heat really been cranked on him over the last couple of weeks specifically - maybe he woke up and decided he doesn’t know it all himself and needed to make the adjustments his coaching staff had been talking to him about for weeks… but then again - sheesh, must be sheer coincidence he’s suddenly started hitting better huh?
…somebody help me out with this.
Are you familiar with the term sample size? Players go through slumps. It’s fairly unusual for Andruw to be as bad as he was for a stretch there but it’s not out of the question that he was actually trying.
Of course, I can’t prove that he was (and you can’t prove that he wasn’t) so I guess I’m wrong.
Even though 1)he has all the incentive in the world to make this a career year, 2)Bobby Cox has never put up with a lack of effort and he and the other coaches hasn’t seemed to have any problems with Andruw’s effort this season, 3)Andruw’s OBP was at a career high for a while even when he was struggling in a lot of other areas, and 4)none of his teammates have seemed to question his effort.
We have every reason to believe Andruw has been putting forth plenty of effort. You have reason for questioning his approach, thinking maybe he’s pressing, etc. but I see absolutely no reason to question his effort.
…geez, somebody help me out on this one. I’m really not an Andruw Jones apologist but it sounds like it.
By Renegator
June 1, 2007 12:46 PM | Link to this
flange1 - I’ll try it out, I live very close to Cheshire Bridge
Shaun - I’ve been to 5 guys - it is quality.
DOB: The suspense is killing us - will Hoss be playing today?
By Shaun
June 1, 2007 12:47 PM | Link to this
I suppose Turnin2 thinks Chipper’s injuries are due to a lack of effort to keep himself in shape. Turnin2 seems like one of those guys.
By TN Jeff
June 1, 2007 12:48 PM | Link to this
I’m afraid the Cubbies are catching the Braves at the right time. Always seems to work well for the Nats. I noticed after Philly won the series vs the Braves they went on a losing streak against the Diamondbacks.
Kind of sad when reporters get giddy over A. Jones going 1 for 4 with little to no power numbers. Does great defense but no growth from the offensive side equate to the Braves needing to make any effort to keep Andruw? Look at Frenchy - he’s made adjustments and cut his strikeouts down drastically.
By Treadway
June 1, 2007 12:49 PM | Link to this
By NO CHOP ZONE June 1, 2007 12:34 PM The braves no all about that. Don’t they Treadway.
No they don’t “no”. I know it would take away from some of your blog time, but give Spelling 101 a try.
By Fed Up
June 1, 2007 12:52 PM | Link to this
LA Brave:
Maybe you caught Warren in his early, drunken and drugged days. A friend of mine went to a club to see his Mutineer tour (some time in the 90s) here in North Carolina. Afterward, he was hanging in the parking lot having a smoke and he saw Zevon. He chatted with Warren for awhile and got him to autograph some CDs. He found Warren to be gracious, funny, and a good guy. I’m now reading Warren’s wife’s book: “I’ll Sleep When I’m Dead.” There’s no doubt that Warren could be a 24-karat a-hole. It was his reason for being in his early years. Maybe he bought into the idea that an artist must be an arse. But later on, he mellows considerably. There must have been something good in the man because he had many loyal and loving friends who still miss him. I, for one, miss his music terribly. The world is a colder place without it. As for the $100 bill comment. Remember, Warren Zevon father was a gangster. Some of those values may have rubbed off on him.
By Mets rule, you drool
June 1, 2007 12:53 PM | Link to this
Think about this - You are 5 games back in the LOSS column. We’re probably only going to lose another 40 games all year - maybe less. Can you make up those 5 games during those losses? Wiht your sad @ss inconsistent, no speed-having, only two MLB-caliber pitchers, Oh-no-Larry’s-got-another boo-boo team? HA! HA! HA!
Look for your favorite Braves on a golf course very early this fall.
Ps. Nice firstbaseman. We have pitchers with a higher batting average.
By Bailey
June 1, 2007 12:54 PM | Link to this
NCZ, Call us in 13 years when you’ve won the division every year. It seems so easy doesn’t it?? The Yankees have done it for what 9 or 10 years…but look at them now!!
By NO CHOP ZONE
June 1, 2007 12:58 PM | Link to this
Sorry professor Treaday. I will work on my spelling during the summer vacation…….promise.
By Shaun
June 1, 2007 12:58 PM | Link to this
Catching,
It would seem catchers have a fairly high injury risk, but I’m not so sure it is true that they get injured more often that other positions. I mean, look at the position right now. Mauer is really the only regular at the position that is injured. I know that’s not a good way to judge but it seems like the injury risks may be overstated.
Yes, they seem to have shorter careers but a lot of the good ones can catch into their mid-late 30’s.
By Mets rule, you drool
June 1, 2007 1:03 PM | Link to this
You really should be scoreboard watching the Padres and the D-Backs, they are both ahead of you for the Wild Card.
The division race is over and it’s only June 1.
How’s that taste?
By Renegator
June 1, 2007 1:03 PM | Link to this
Does any one else think that Hill is going to OWN the Braves tomorrow vs Chuck James? I don’t like our chances tomorrow - we need a win today (and Sunday).
By NO CHOP ZONE
June 1, 2007 1:03 PM | Link to this
Bailey that was weak. Using the Yankees might not be a good idea. They won FOUR WS’s in that time. TWO against your sorry a-s-s-e-s. How many did the braves win….ONE. Try another one.
By Lew
June 1, 2007 1:05 PM | Link to this
Poor Little ChopZone-So insecure he has to come onto a Braves blog for a date. So insecure he has wet dreams over a 4 1/2 game lead after a whole 1/3 of the season. So insecure he lavishes unwanted attention s on Joe Brave and myself. Then he’s upset because he’s persecuted by all the Braves bloggers. Poor Little Whining Mosquito with his wet pants (you tell us it’s a wet dream-we think you’ve been hanging with Moises when he pees on his hands-you just got too close).
By TommyP
June 1, 2007 1:05 PM | Link to this
DOB: I can’t imagine doing all of the traveling and having the ability to stop at all of these restaurants along the way. You are covering “America’s Pasttime” for “America’s Team” and hitting all of these ballparks, restaurants, cities….lean back, take a deep breath and take in the moment. You are truly blessed.
Enjoyed your “Couple more stats” segment but if you’re going to criticize Stu Scott, then don’t come with those nicknames you threw in there for several players. Didn’t work. :) But your columns do so I’ll cut you some slack.
And finally…you’re a scribe and a damn good one. Capitalize “God” if you don’t mind.
Thanks, bud.
By Treadway
June 1, 2007 1:05 PM | Link to this
By Mets rule, you drool June 1, 2007 12:53 PM Think about this - You are 5 games back in the LOSS column. We’re probably only going to lose another 40 games all year - maybe less. Can you make up those 5 games during those losses? Wiht your sad @ss inconsistent, no speed-having, only two MLB-caliber pitchers, Oh-no-Larry’s-got-another boo-boo team? HA! HA! HA! Look for your favorite Braves on a golf course very early this fall. Ps. Nice firstbaseman. We have pitchers with a higher batting average.
Yes, ignorance is bliss. Win your division and gloat about it everyday (except for the 40 days they lose and you tuck your tail between your legs)until October. It’s all about getting to “the dance”. Then the cookie crumbles (see Cardinals, 2006).
By David O'Brien
June 1, 2007 1:05 PM | Link to this
THIS JUST IN: CHIPPER HEADED TO DL, and I asked Bobby if Escobar is a possiblity. “He’s gotta be,” Cox said. Sounds like just a matter of getting him on the 40-man, which they can do by moving Gonzalez to 60-day DL…
SMOLTZ was JUST OK in his session, sounds like he’ll get pushed back to Tuesday, but that won’t be decided for sure until tomorrow, when he’ll see how he recovers and, more importantly, whether his stuff is a little sharper than it was today.
But it sounds like he’s going to be pushed back, if I had to guess. And it’s BUDDY CARLYLE who’ll start Sunday if that happens, Bobby said. Smoltz would go Tuesday in the DH vs. Florida….
teoa, I saw Dinosaur Jr in Atlanta couple years ago, or whenever they first got back together. My ears are still ringing….
By Shaun
June 1, 2007 1:08 PM | Link to this
TN Jeff,
It’s not about strikeouts. Francouer is probably going to strikeout 100 times a year consistently. It’s about maintaining his power and increasing his walk total, which Francouer has done.
Don’t want to open up this can of worms again, but a lot of the most productive hitters in the game strikeout a lot.
Yes, Andruw needs to increase his contact some but he’s never going to be a low-strikeout guy.
By Víctor
June 1, 2007 1:08 PM | Link to this
Hey DOB: I am a huge braves fan since late 70’s, I am from Panama City, Panama & I am in Chicago during this weekend. I got tickets for todays game and I would like to meet you, because all your means to Braves nation. It is any chance to meet you??? My sons are not going to believe it since they are going to see the game trough mlb.tv Regards,
By Bailey
June 1, 2007 1:08 PM | Link to this
OK,Dumb@ss. How many times were you in the playoffs during that span?
By David O'Brien
June 1, 2007 1:12 PM | Link to this
Victor, if you want to meet me at the bottom of the stairs leading to the pressbox, I’ll go down there before the game starts. Just give me a time.
By Lew
June 1, 2007 1:13 PM | Link to this
Yeah-We’re real upset about a 4 1/2 game lead this early. We still have 9 games left with the Mets. That works out to three of those games right there, just beating the Mets like we’ve done all year. I think we can deal with 1 1/2 games elsewhere.
By AZBravoFan
June 1, 2007 1:15 PM | Link to this
More on Andruw. Here’s an interesting rebuttal of Jayson Stark’s overrated argument:
http://www.sabernomics.com/sabernomics/index.php/2007/05/is-andruw-jones-overrated/
I guess there are people out there other than on this blog that have way too much time on their hands.
By Robin Hood
June 1, 2007 1:15 PM | Link to this
Just wondering ?? First about Wrigley field, I grew up in Chicago and when I was a kid they would open the gates around the 7th inning and you could go see the last couple innigs for free—and also see the players going to their locker room—great fun for a kid! What do you and most of the players do when they have a day and a half in a city?? I imagine that it can get boring sometimes! Did you bus down the other day or take the short flight? I find the behind the scenes interesting! Thanks !
By Steve McP
June 1, 2007 1:17 PM | Link to this
Albums - London Calling has a good case, but Sgt Pepper’s was seminal in changing the whole direction of the music industry, which is why it usually gets the most votes in greatest album category - I was a 10 year old living in the UK at the time and so obviously ralised it’s significance immediately! For me the best British punk album, (and I really was paying attention when that movement swept through Britain) has to be The Great Rock n Roll Swindle by the pistols, featuring the wonderful Tenpole Tudor with the classic “Who killed Bambi” (sung into a vacumn cleaner in the movie incidentally).
Baseball - anyone seen the line ups yet?
By Shaun
June 1, 2007 1:17 PM | Link to this
NO CHOP ZONE,
Are you actually going to contribute something intelligent to the blog or are you just going to trash talk about the Mets?
WE GET IT. YOU LOVE THE METS. Can you move on to something with some substance?
By Lew
June 1, 2007 1:18 PM | Link to this
Treadway-Chop Zone is a drop out fr4om PS Sub-Zero in Queens. You gotta give him some slack with intellectual pursuits, like spelling. I heard he tried to read Moby Dick once, but quit when he couldn’t pronounce Ishmael.
By NO CHOP ZONE
June 1, 2007 1:18 PM | Link to this
Are we living in the past Bailey?. That’s so cute……..tuff news about Larry being hurt and put on the DL. What a surprise.
By David O'Brien
June 1, 2007 1:20 PM | Link to this
Fed Up, that was a great response regarding Zevon. I’ve heard exactly the same things about him, how he changed, mellowed in latter years in sobriety. Like many of us, he was a world-class jerk when wasted, but he was also a young guy immersed in a new world of stardom and money and all that went with it in LA back then (and now).
The VH1 documentary on his final days showed what a great guy he was, and the tesimonials from a lot of fine artists I really respect who loved him dearly and talked so highly of him, that says more to me that a cryptic story about a broke guy who dropped a $100 bill decades ago. People change. I know I have. We all have, hopefully for the better.
TommyP, I respect your opinion. Only reason I don’t usually capitalize God is because I don’t want to offend those who have a different view of religion or believe in a different deity. That’s all. No disrespect meant toward anyone. I don’t want to bring my own views on religion into my writing, that’s all. Because I respect folks of all religions, and those who are agnostic or atheist. Long as they believe in what they believe for a reason and don’t attack others or try to force their views down others’ throats, I’m cool with it.
By Víctor
June 1, 2007 1:20 PM | Link to this
Thanks DOB, Since I just saw you trough a picture, could you please tell me how you are going to be dress up??? I am gong to wear a Braves jersey, khahis and tennis…
By Shaun
June 1, 2007 1:23 PM | Link to this
DOB,
Just to set the record straight, has anyone called Andruw out for being a lolly-gagger or questioned his effort this season?
We’ve got at least one person (I’ll refrain from any name-calling, though it may be appropriate) who seems to ignore that fact that Andruw’s got every reason to perform at his highest level this season and still seems to think Andruw is loafing.
By P'Cola Michael
June 1, 2007 1:24 PM | Link to this
Injury bug getting us pretty good huh?
DOB,
Pretty cool of ya.
Go Braves!
By DCBrave
June 1, 2007 1:24 PM | Link to this
DOB - What happened with Steve Colyer? Did he clear waivers and report to Richmond?
By Bailey
June 1, 2007 1:27 PM | Link to this
We’ve survived with Chipper eing hurt before and we’ll do it again. What happens if your precious 3B get hurt…uh oh, better find someone to play 3rd. What happens if Reyes gets hurt…bye bye winning. Either of those guys go down, you guys are DONE. We have enough to survive. Don’t worry about us, we’ll see you in the playoffs…well you’ll see us there, kicking your @ss. Thanks for the try, though.
By Braveheart
June 1, 2007 1:27 PM | Link to this
Thrillhouse44, loved your reference to All About the Benjamins. Classic song. Still remember when that song came out. That was one way to get a crowd amped up back in the day.
Do you think this winter Andruw might have spent some time playing the Wu-Tang’s C.R.E.A.M., Cash Rules Everything All Around Me, the C.R.E.A.M., get the money, the dollar, dollar, dollar bill, y’all.
C.R.E.A.M. is not really a workout song though. The Benjamins will get you pumped up.
Let’s hope he is not listening the Steve Miller Band’s Take the Money and Run at the end of this year, followed on the IPOD shuffle by Jay-Z’s I Just Wanna Love You (Give It To Me): I’m a hustler baby [I’m a hustler], I just want you to know [Wanna let you know], It aint where I been [It aint where I been], But where I’m bout to go [Top of the world!], Now I just wanna love you [just wanna love you], But be who I am [you know you love me], And with all this cash [mo’ money, mo’ problems], You’ll forget your man, Now give it to me
He keeps playing like this though, he will be a Sultan of Swing, singing Dire Strait’s Money for Nothing, “That aint workin’, thats the way you do it, Get your money for nothin’, get your chicks for free.”
Hopefully, he’ll resign with the Braves and sing Jay-Z’s Money Ain’t A Thing to Boras but most likely, he will reluctantly be unable to come back to the Braves because of the cheapskate owners and he will be singing The Beatles’ You Never Give Me Your Money: “You never give me your money, You only give me your funny paper, and in the middle of negotiations, you break down, I never give you my number, I only give you my situation, and in the middle of investigation, I break down, Out of college, money spent, See no future, pay no rent, All the money’s gone, nowhere to go, Any jobber got the sack, Monday morning, turning back, Yellow lorry slow, nowhere to go, But oh, that magic feeling, nowhere to go, Oh, that magic feeling, Nowhere to go, One sweet dream, Pick up the bags and get in the limousine, Soon we’ll be away from here, Step on the gas and wipe that tear away, One sweet dream came true today, Came true today, Came true today (yes it did), One two three four five six seven, All good children go to Heaven.”
Before he signs with the Red Sox or the Yankees, I hope he listens to Biggie’s Mo’ Money, Mo’ Problems but he probably won’t listen unfortunately, he will probably be too obsessed with listening to Jay-Z’s Money, Cash, Hoes.
By NO CHOP ZONE
June 1, 2007 1:27 PM | Link to this
LEW, what am I going to do with you? If I was worried about the treatment I get here on the blog I would have stopped coming long ago. I’m your only chance at reality. You off all bloggers should know. If you talk sh-it long enough you start to believe your own dilusions. Save yourself LEW before it’s too late. Stop living in the past. The braves of yesteryear are gone. They live only in your nostalgic (Wet)dreams.
By Not Surprised
June 1, 2007 1:29 PM | Link to this
Chipper to the DL? Wow that’s a shocker!
Pete Orr,Woodward or Prado playing third won’t be a surprise either instead of getting Willie and Matt in the same lineup by starting Willie at third.
By ncscoots
June 1, 2007 1:30 PM | Link to this
Shaun, I’ll help you out re questioning Andruw’s effort, and folks would have to have been living in a cave to think I’M an apologist for him.
There are a lot of things for which you can bash the guy, and I’d say bloggers have managed to rip him on every single one. But even a clueless infant would not bring up effort (or lack thereof) as a fault.
The man comes to play. He may play stubbornly, stupidly, or whatever other word you care to use (and many times correctly), but you can drop “uncaringly” from the lexicon.
I mean, double-yikes and Holy Cornelia, even Stuart Scott knows that just ain’t right.
By Lew
June 1, 2007 1:32 PM | Link to this
Victor-You just better hope he leaves his big, yellow, clown shoes at home (preferably under the bed). They’re quite a spectacle in public.
By TommyP
June 1, 2007 1:32 PM | Link to this
Chipper on the DL, huh? Ahhhh….it’s definitely summer time now. Isn’t that the official start?
Go ahead, DOB. Flame away. Greatest misnomer of a nickname is your self-imposed “Hoss” for you know who.
Nobody is questioning his talent. He’s a GREAT hitter.
But the use of the nickname “Hoss” indicates someone that would be a big, tough, strong guy that basically goes about his job day after day after day. Chipper goes about his day after DL stint after day…
By Efrim
June 1, 2007 1:36 PM | Link to this
How is this team suppose to win the division if their best hitter only plays in 130 games???
By Bailey
June 1, 2007 1:37 PM | Link to this
Not Surprised…DOB said that Escobar is a possibility. He is better than Orr, Woodward, and Prado put together.
By ncscoots
June 1, 2007 1:39 PM | Link to this
So, what, Chipper’s retro to when, last Thursday? Off the DL around the 7th or 8th?
By TommyP
June 1, 2007 1:39 PM | Link to this
Excellent response to my “God” inquiry.
If you believe, I’m sure people would understand as they capitalize “Buddha, Allah….Jeter”….
OK…sorry for the attempt at humor.
Enjoy the delights of Wrigley.
By Mets rule, you drool
June 1, 2007 1:40 PM | Link to this
LOL! No Smoltz. No Larry. Sounds like a good weekend to be a Cubs fan.
You should be almost 8 games back by your first cup of coffee Monday.
It really must suck to be a Braves fan. Wooo-OOOO-OOOO-Ooooo. That might be the last chop you hear this year.
By Bravesfan in Missouri
June 1, 2007 1:40 PM | Link to this
DOB, thanks for all of your updates. I did not know whether or not to start Chipper on my fantasy team. I think your blog is great as well as your articles. You keep me up to date throughout the year and I really appreciate it.
By Shaun
June 1, 2007 1:41 PM | Link to this
Lew,
Don’t waste your time. Somehow he thinks if the Mets beat the Braves, he’s done something.
I’ve never understood trash talking about your team like you’ve done something to make them good or the other person did something to make his team bad. Can someone explain this phenomenon to me?
Seems like there are better ways to utilize your oxygen or your typing fingers.
By Braveheart
June 1, 2007 1:45 PM | Link to this
Shaun going after No Chop. I love it. NCZ, you know you are a nuisance when even Shaun, who never personally goes after anyone, singles you out. Take the hint. Go find yourself a Mets blog. Or just finally admit that you are secretly a fan of the Braves.
To take credit for the Yankees beating the Braves twice in the World Series is pretty darn lame for a Mets fan. I don’t know any true Mets fan who hates the Braves more than the Yankees. Don’t tell me that you only worry about the Yankees during interleague games like you did yesterday. That’s pathetic and so unlike any Mets fan I know. To say that makes it obvious you never lived in NYC. All the true Mets fans I personally know cared more last year that the Mets went further in the playoffs than the Yankees than the fact that they beat out the Braves for the division for the first time in 15 years. Get a clue.
If you never lived in NYC, why are you a Mets fan? Bizarre. I guess that bandwagon that came through town in 2006 was just too enticing not to jump on, huh? Which bandwagon will you jump on next when you realize that the Mets are wasting your time and energy as a bandwagon fan?
By Shaun
June 1, 2007 1:45 PM | Link to this
ncscoots,
Pookie and Rae-Rae ‘nem wouldn’t put up with AJ loafin’. Booya!
By brian20
June 1, 2007 1:47 PM | Link to this
How can you all be down on Chipper it was freak thing, him flipping over a 3rd baseman that has nothing at all to do with being conditioned? He is one of the greatest Braves to ever put on a uniform, so get off his back.
By Bailey
June 1, 2007 1:50 PM | Link to this
Shaun,
Plus the fact that the Mets have SUCKED against the Braves this year. I tell you what…if Oliver Perez is the only Met that beats the Braves all year, that’s pretty sad for the Mets.
By David O'Brien
June 1, 2007 1:50 PM | Link to this
THIS JUST IN: Yunel Escobar’s contract will be purchased from Richmond tomorrow and he’ll be here for tomorrow’s game. Chipper to DL, don’t know but think Gonzo will go to 60-day DL.
By Turnin2
June 1, 2007 1:51 PM | Link to this
Hey Shaun Dude - did I ever say anyone CALLED Andruw anything in public? NO I did not -please don’t twist facts… I said has anyone ever seen the reaction of the coaches - geeeez you go a long way to TRY and prove you’re right… hangin’ it up here and going to watch the game — you’re a bore
By Wayne in Utah
June 1, 2007 1:51 PM | Link to this
Can the Braves talk the US Air Force into giving Escobar a ride from Richmond to Chicago in the next 30 minutes??
By bravesfan
June 1, 2007 1:52 PM | Link to this
Just looked at the starting lineups for todays game. Why don’t the Braves put Harris at 3rd, Diaz in LF, and Saltalamacchia at 1B? Then the line up would look something like this: Johnson 2B, Harris 3B, Renteria SS, McCann C, Francoeur RF, Saltalamacchia 1B, Diaz LF, and Jones CF.
By Fred from CT
June 1, 2007 1:56 PM | Link to this
everyone needs to lay off chipper he is gonna be back soon. The guy plays hard.
By Thrillhouse44
June 1, 2007 1:57 PM | Link to this
Well done, Braveheart!
Hopefully he doesn’t leave at the end of the season Fo’ the Love of Money (Bone Thugs).
Think Thorman jams Rick Ross’ Hustlin’? (“Everyday I’m hustlin..”)
By Yars
June 1, 2007 1:58 PM | Link to this
Too many people seem to forget that music did exist before 1997. The young people of today I feel sorry for. Most listen to this emo-pop generic sounding crap. In my opinion, all those bands sound the same. Their music sounds dated after a few listens. Has no substance. People need to stop caring what is popular, what is on top 40 radio. So many only like what is trendy & popular at the moment. That doesn’t mean it’s good. Then again, some don’t even follow music. You’d be surprised how many people rarely listen to music. W/O music, you might as well bury me. I don’t know what I’d do w/o tunes. In any case, bands such as the Beatles, Beach Boys, the Doors, the Byrds, Queen, Led Zeppelin, Sex Pistols, Clash, Adam Ant, the Cure, Depeche Mode, New Order, Nine Inch Nails, early Metallica, Soundgarden, Green Day are some bands whose music will always live on. I am not surprised about Chipper landing on the DL. I expect him to make a couple more appearances on the DL throughout the season. Andruw needs to step it up now, & the same goes for Thor. When is Salty going to make his debut at 1B? Now is the time, I think.
By ppaddy123
June 1, 2007 1:58 PM | Link to this
Concerning the comments about chipper and his recent injury; I think it’s highly hypocritical (spelling?)of ANY of “US FANS” to put the guy down when most of us call in sick to work even when we’re not. If the guy can’t go, he can’t go! Leave it at that. This is not the same team from last year. We have others to pick up the slack while he’s down. For that matter, I bet even DOB gets run down during the season, traveling with the team, and he’s not expected to play 162 games. Yeah, the guy makes a ton of money. All pros do. Get over that gripe already. Move on to something more meaningful. Will Cormier be the same as in spring training? Can Chucky keep winning? Will Davies ever be consistant? Will Salty get a shot at first? How to get Willie and Diaz in the lineup at the same time? These are topics worth discussion. All the crybabies complaining about Chipper need to remember the 1st rule of baseball: THERE’S NO CRYING IN BASEBALL!
By Shaun
June 1, 2007 1:59 PM | Link to this
Turnin2,
What can the reaction of the coaches tell you? They are disappointed when a player makes an out. Does it mean they’re unhappy with that player’s effort?
By Lew
June 1, 2007 2:04 PM | Link to this
Save myself from what Little ChopZone? You and your unwanted attentions and wet dream references? Believe me, that says MUCH more about you than anyone.Did you even understand the Moby Dick reference or was it as far beyond your comprehension as I suspected?
By DonCoburleone
June 1, 2007 2:05 PM | Link to this
Frickin’ Chipper, but did anyone really have any doubts it was gonna happen??? And I’ve got the same question as EVERYBODY on this blog. Why the he!! isn’t Willie Harris playing THIRD BASE???? Didn’t he play in the minors? How does Martin Prado get a start at third but BC won’t put Harris there? It is so ridiculous, why do we have to have Orr or Woodward starting over Diaz??? IT MAKES NO SENSE! I can’t remember a time I was more frustrated with Cox; this sickening “loyalty” he shows to Orr has gone on far too long… EEEEEAAAWWWWWW!!!!
By fastasballs
June 1, 2007 2:06 PM | Link to this
The Muts fans are extra giddy today, are they not? I thought it was the standings they were happy about until I looked at the calendar & discovered it was check day.
By kenlevy_99
June 1, 2007 2:07 PM | Link to this
DOB chose the wrong song lyrics on this one of the most historic days in the history of popular music. His lyrics should’ve started out like this:
By 3trees
June 1, 2007 2:08 PM | Link to this
First off - Andy, congrats! Cool you’re going to the game with your new esposa.
Second off - Paul is an incredible singer, one of the best and most influential bass players you’ll ever hear and he wrote some pretty good songs. He’s pretty full of himself, went to the bridge (again) in too many tunes and I don’t care for much past half of Ram, but I’m glad he’s still around.
Sgt. Peppers vs. London Calling, not enuf time.
Too bad about Chipper. I guess they’ll retro it to _? Will Escobar make the game? =) Let’s get Smoltz healthy too.
If you’d rather the opposing team’s guys not blog here, IG (ignore) them. Don’t bite the bait. Its really silly stuff. Would I rather them not post here with the ceaseless taunting, yeah but…
Go Braves!
By AMG
June 1, 2007 2:09 PM | Link to this
If the Braves get Chipper back on the 8th and he is 90-100%, they should consider themselves lucky. There are a lot of little bones in thoses wrists that break very easily when fallen on.
Any word about further tests on Chipper? Sometimes those fractures don’t show-up on traditional x-rays.
I’ve seen the inside of Dr. Andrews’ place … very nice for research.
By Lew
June 1, 2007 2:10 PM | Link to this
Shaun-Dude, you’re right. I could spend my time giving you grief about small ball and sabremetrics instead. Or maybe debate Ryan Howard’s “average” season a year ago.
By DonCoburleone
June 1, 2007 2:10 PM | Link to this
Sorry about the donkey reference, but Harris to 3B just seems like such a no-brainer to me…
By Metro
June 1, 2007 2:11 PM | Link to this
For all of you short-sighted Mets “fans” that have nothing better to do than blog on an Atlanta newspaper website about the Braves, here is a brief recent history of both teams since 1991.
Record: Braves 1540-1037 (.598), Mets 1244-1279 (.493)
90+ win seasons: Braves 13, Mets 3. 100+ win seasons: Braves 6, Mets 0. 90+ loss seasons: Braves 0, Mets 5.
Managers: Braves 1, Mets 8.
NL MVPs: Braves 2, Mets 0. NL Cy Young Awards: Braves 6, Mets 0. NL Manager of the Year Awards: Braves 3, Mets 0. NL ROY Awards: Braves 1, Mets 0.
Division Titles: Braves 14, Mets 2. National League Pennants: Braves 5, Mets 1. World Series Titles: Braves 1, Mets 0.
One Head-to-Head Playoff Series: 1999 NLCS- Braves 4, Mets 2.
By Greg in TN
June 1, 2007 2:12 PM | Link to this
Afternoon denizens…
A lot of things to digest before starting a weekend series at the House Keith Moreland built.
If you love baseball, you have to try a game at Wrigley Field (or Wrigley Stadium if you’re Jeff Gordon). The ivy on the walls, “Take Me Out To The Ballgame”, Jack Brickhouse’s trademark “Hey Hey” call on the foul poles, the bleachers on the rooftops across Waveland and Sheffield. It’s not the cleanest ballpark, no parking to speak of (so better off taking the El), tiny concourses, but nine innings here is something else to behold.
ssiscribe Congratulations on the new job Scribe! Great news to hear. Couldn’t happen to a nicer guy IMO.
Carolina Lady I was amiss in not welcoming you back yesterday, but the ‘ol blog isn’t the same without you.
Folks, having to place Chipper on the DL was a possibility. We’ll see how Escobar does with his time up with the big club. I’m not too surprised to see Smoltzie’s start get pushed back, but I’m not worrying there either.
Almost game time in Wrigleyville.
By Luther
June 1, 2007 2:12 PM | Link to this
by Mets Rule Ps. Nice firstbaseman. We have pitchers with a higher batting average.
I mean thats great but how about your first baseman:
Thorman-.232 Delgado-.231
By Bailey
June 1, 2007 2:14 PM | Link to this
DOB
Do you think bringing Escobar up will showcase him enough to be able to trade him for starting pitching if needed. Escobar is not the SS of the future…Elvis Andrus is, right? Is Bobby and the rest of the guys thinking about moving him to 3B? What do you think?
By fastasballs
June 1, 2007 2:16 PM | Link to this
I’m really looking forward to seeing Escobar. Hopefully he stays & Orr goes after Chipper returns, but I have my doubts.
By Yars
June 1, 2007 2:21 PM | Link to this
Man, I’ll tell you one thing, if Atlanta wants to make the playoffs, whether it be winning the NL East or getting the NL wildcard, they are going to have to trade for a #3 starter. I can’t see the Mets going on some 5-6 game losing streak anytime soon, & I also can’t see the Dodgers & Padres disappearing. I would like to be a fly on the wall in Schuerholz office right now.
By DonCoburleone
June 1, 2007 2:22 PM | Link to this
Lets do this Braves!!! I’ve got a buddy who is a huge Cubs fan and I’ve got alot of money on this series with him… MAKE ME RICH BOYS!
By Chip
June 1, 2007 2:22 PM | Link to this
No surprise about Chipper “Glass” Jones being on the DL. It is a shame that a bruise caused him to be an inactive member of the 25 man roster when we could have had a more capable player at third than Pete Orr and Martin Prado, in addition to having someone that could pinch hit or pinch run with games on the line.
By Lew
June 1, 2007 2:23 PM | Link to this
Andy-Congratulations are definitely due you. Hang in there, Dude. Tomorrow my wife and I will have been married for 32 years.
By Shaun
June 1, 2007 2:23 PM | Link to this
Lew,
Exactly!
You can tell me when I said Howard’s season was average.
By Coach
June 1, 2007 2:23 PM | Link to this
The last time the Mets won it all Ronald Reagan was President , Def Leppard was hot , Metallica released their first album(Master of Puppets) , The Chicago Bears were doing the Super Bowl shuffle on the way to a 46-10 drubbing of the Patriots , David Robinson was playing for Navy , the space shuttle Challenger exploded , Spud Webb won the NBA slam dunk challenge , Orel Hershiser became the first player to win a million dollar salary in arbitration , Peter Uberroth suspends seven baseball players for one year after they admitted in Curtis Strong’s trail that they used drugs , Howard Stern goes on the radio , George Wallace retires as Governor of Alabama , IBM produces the first mega-bit chip and the New York Mets won the World Series by beating the Redsox aided by bill Buckner’s infamous game six error. Just a little PERSPECTIVE for all you Mets idiots.
By flange1
June 1, 2007 2:24 PM | Link to this
Hey Lew,
I think No chop thinks Moby Dick is Andy Dick’s brother, you know the siger with a bald head? And who is Ishmeal? Isn’t he one of the Mets farm hands that just got banned for steroids?
By Renegator
June 1, 2007 2:26 PM | Link to this
Bobby is WAY too loyal to Orr. He sucks - Bobby needs to accept it and move on. Start Diaz in left and Harris and 3B and give your team the best chance to win. With Orr in there it’s like having two pitchers. Boo.
By Bob
June 1, 2007 2:26 PM | Link to this
AZBravo Fan,
Good post. Article confirmed what a lot of us have seen. The idea that Beltran is better than AJ is dumber than dirt. Beltran cost Glavine two runs earlier this week by failing to make catches that Andruw routinely makes.
As for the Mets bringing up the Yankees, that is funny. After all, the Mets are the only team in baseball with 2 Daddies….Yanks in their own town and Bravos in their own division.
By Fred from CT
June 1, 2007 2:34 PM | Link to this
flange1 your 2:24 post had cracking up!
By Renegator
June 1, 2007 2:34 PM | Link to this
Off to a good start. 1 - 0 Bravos
By DonCoburleone
June 1, 2007 2:34 PM | Link to this
Lets go Davies!!! On another note, Zambrano definately looks hittable today… Too bad Frenchy couldn’t get those other 2 in, but I think we’ll get some mroe chances today.
By Thrillhouse44
June 1, 2007 2:38 PM | Link to this
DOB/anyone,
What does Renteria think of batting third? I know last year there was a lot of talk about how he was a natural #2 hitter. His numbers haven’t dropped a bit, but does he have a preference?
Here’s to another win and outdoor drinking…
By DonCoburleone
June 1, 2007 2:43 PM | Link to this
Who here would trade Joe Blanton for Saltalamacchia?
By TennesseePaul
June 1, 2007 2:45 PM | Link to this
Davies is messy out there. Seems the whole league can get in this guys head. But he dominates the Mets. As long as he humiliates them every time he faces them I’m fine. I love it. It’s almost always 8 innings of 3 hit ball. Mets just can’t handle this kid.
By Renegator
June 1, 2007 2:45 PM | Link to this
Thorman on - now we got the two pitchers up next to kill the rally.
By DonCoburleone
June 1, 2007 2:46 PM | Link to this
Huge, a nice gift double for Thorman… This Cubs defense is AWFUL. Lets hope Davies can elevate one into the outfield here…
By Adam
June 1, 2007 2:47 PM | Link to this
Gotta be a bigger impact that Joe Blanton for Salty.
By Fred from CT
June 1, 2007 2:49 PM | Link to this
DonCoburleone i would probably make that trade.
By Thrillhouse44
June 1, 2007 2:51 PM | Link to this
I’d trade Kobe Bryant and Kwame Brown for Saltalamacchia…
By Shaun
June 1, 2007 2:51 PM | Link to this
Bob,
Hate to say it, but Beltran was better last year.
Andruw has been better defensively and has more power. Beltran has the higher AVG, OBP and more speed. They’ve been very close in offensive value so far in their careers. Andruw was probably better earlier, Beltran has been better lately and Andruw will probably overtake him later because he has more power. Once Beltran starts to lose his speed, he will start to decline because speed is a big part of what makes him valuable.
It’s an interesting comparison.
By rammerjammer
June 1, 2007 2:52 PM | Link to this
Let’s see, weren’t we talking sweep just before that Nats series? Yeah, uh huh. Let’s take it one at a time, ok?
And DOB, that monologue was priceless, especially the part about AJ heating up after he got the tatt. Funny, funny stuff.
As my teenage daughter would say, you are the shizz.
GO BRAVES
By Coach
June 1, 2007 2:58 PM | Link to this
Bobby Cox quote : When he did that , I knew it was going to last a long time(Chippers injury) , an injury like that just doesn’t heal quickly , bruises in your hand last forever. Then WHY IN THE NAME OF GOD DID YOU WAIT A WEEK TO PUT HIM ON THE DL ? The bench is already weak and we get to watch Pete(I cant hit my weight) Orr at third for one more game. Brilliant , just absolutely brilliant !
By Caleb
June 1, 2007 2:58 PM | Link to this
DOB, I know they’re probably tight-lipped about Smoltz, but do you know if it is a strain or pull in his shoulder? Are Chipper’s hands hurting him when he bats both right and lefthanded or just lefthanded?
By fastasballs
June 1, 2007 2:59 PM | Link to this
Davies will be fine. Just needs some confidence. For years Glavine would struggle in the first, always getting in & out of jams.
By Caleb
June 1, 2007 3:03 PM | Link to this
Good start for Davies and the Braves today. Too bad we couldn’t drive McCann and Andruw in in the first or Thorman in the second. A big early lead would be a nice way to start the weekend.
By BravesWeenFan
June 1, 2007 3:04 PM | Link to this
I just moved to Savannah and I can;t get the braves on the radio during any of the braves day games… its freaking awful! When you go to hear the braves and you get Bill O’riley instead … PUKE!
I thought braves affiliates had to cary all braves games? Sh!t sucks.
By Bob
June 1, 2007 3:06 PM | Link to this
Shaun, Don’t really disagree with you. Andruw is way too inconsistent offensively, although he has put up comparible numbers over his career. Your right about Andruw’s power and RBIs. Gosh, even as bad as he has been this year, he still has more RBIs than Carlos has.
But defensively Andruw still gets to balls that Beltran can only dream of getting to. The main difference is Andruw’s instict and first jump which Beltran cannot match. Make no mistake about it, Beltran is a very good centerfielder but he ain’t Andruw defensively.
By faninva
June 1, 2007 3:10 PM | Link to this
the reason bc didn’t start diaz in left, and thus willie at third is because zambrano is a rhp. not saying i like it but bc still puts too much stock in the righty/lefty match-up thing….now we just managed to strand 2 more runners with no out in the 3rd. good grief.
By rammerjammer
June 1, 2007 3:10 PM | Link to this
Escobar in May hit .351 with a .411 OBP, a .495 SLG and a .906 OPS. He doin’ ok.
By fastasballs
June 1, 2007 3:11 PM | Link to this
This is looking like the second game of the Brewers series. Runners everywhere but no runs.
By Renegator
June 1, 2007 3:14 PM | Link to this
fastasballs - Glavine still struggles in the first.
By David O'Brien
June 1, 2007 3:15 PM | Link to this
Superadam, Miss Anns I’ll have to try. Vortex, very good burger. And good place to ride the bike. They’re very motorcycle-friendly and accomodating with the lot spaces, etc.
By David O'Brien
June 1, 2007 3:25 PM | Link to this
Caleb, Chipper’s hands both hurt now, hurts when he hits from either side.
Smoltz “strain” or “pull”? Dude, nobody’s tight-lipped about it. Smoltz has described it in detail, what he felt, how he did it (slipped on warmup pitch and overextended arm).
He’s not trying to hide anything. I watched him throw today, and you wouldn’t know from watching he was hurt. He said it’s just a mild strain or soreness, he doesn’t even know what to call it exactly.
And believe me, if it was serious they wouldn’t be moving him back a mere two days. He’d be skipping a start or going on the DL. As it is, it’s not even certain he’s moving back two days, although I suspect he will.
By Efrim
June 1, 2007 3:25 PM | Link to this
8 hits, 1 run scored…..
Looks like the offense still hasn’t woken up
By ernesto
June 1, 2007 3:26 PM | Link to this
Gift run!
There is no D in Cubbies.
By A-ville Ranger
June 1, 2007 3:29 PM | Link to this
I didn’t read where the album talk started.Here’s a few of my all timers. Rubber soul,the mop heads organic masterpiece that helped bridge the early pop and the later studio heavy work. Exile on main st.Just a great complete album by the stones,too many influences to mention,the one most people overlook is the strong calypso beat on songs like sweet black angel.Last but hardly least Joshua tree U2 if rock had a bible,enough said.
By coxman
June 1, 2007 3:29 PM | Link to this
wow do the cubs sux. Two gift runs.
By JasonInMaine
June 1, 2007 3:29 PM | Link to this
Braves are getting lots of Hits..Frenchy the only one without one…and two runs so far. Hopefully, they can string a few together in a row and have a big inning!!
By David O'Brien
June 1, 2007 3:32 PM | Link to this
Coach writes: “Bobby Cox quote : When he did that , I knew it was going to last a long time(Chippers injury) , an injury like that just doesn’t heal quickly , bruises in your hand last forever. Then WHY IN THE NAME OF GOD DID YOU WAIT A WEEK TO PUT HIM ON THE DL ?”
Well, Coach, last I checked they go with the trainer and the medical diagnosis, plus the player’s pain level, when determining if a player needs to go on the DL, rather than the manager’s gut feeling based on injuries he sustained in 1960.
By coxman
June 1, 2007 3:42 PM | Link to this
Good job by Kyle pitching out of the 4th
By DonCoburleone
June 1, 2007 3:46 PM | Link to this
Another fine piece of hitting once again from McCann… But, seriously now, DOB you too on this one - What’s happened to his power? I thought he was gonna go off for 30 bombs this year.
By Shaun
June 1, 2007 3:47 PM | Link to this
8 hits, 1 run scored…..
Looks like the offense still hasn’t woken up
Statements like this crack me up.
Does any team score every baserunner they get?
Didn’t we establish the other day that often times teams that leave a lot of runner on also score a lot of runs (for example the Phillies this year lead in both runs and LOB)?
I’m not saying the Braves offense is on fire, but this game isn’t even halfway over.
By coxman
June 1, 2007 3:47 PM | Link to this
Wow. Did Andrew nail that. He is locked in I think.
By Ippississim
June 1, 2007 3:48 PM | Link to this
Narrowly dodged a Davies meltdown there in the 4th. Whew!
By ernesto
June 1, 2007 3:49 PM | Link to this
Holy Sid Bream!!!! BMac scores from first - what wheels!
By coxman
June 1, 2007 3:52 PM | Link to this
Okay all together the cubs suck
By Lew
June 1, 2007 3:53 PM | Link to this
Flange-Yeah, and that shortstop Ahab was juicing, too.
By A-ville Ranger
June 1, 2007 3:53 PM | Link to this
The mighty Davies at the plate!
By Greg in TN
June 1, 2007 3:55 PM | Link to this
Happy Cornelia Day to everyone (I think everyday should be Cornelia Day on the Braves/MIB blog). 6-2 good guys now that Davies helps his own cause.
Oooo, RBI single by KJ. 7-2
By IlliniBrave
June 1, 2007 3:55 PM | Link to this
Hey DOB: It seems you often have a feel for when BC or JS are losing patience with a player, and you pretty much predicted the Langerhans, Wilson, and Redman moves. Do you have ANY sense of the same kind of thing with either Ryan “can’tget”Woodward or Petey “NoMore”Orr? Pluueeezzzze tell me that you’re sensing that their times are up. Please.
Oh craaap!!! Orr gets another hit! Now Bobby will think he’s a gamer. Crap!!!!
By Chop Chop
June 1, 2007 3:56 PM | Link to this
Andruw may be locked in, but Zambrano certainly isn’t. He’s killing the Cubs right now, even with the errors that have happened behind him today.
By DonCoburleone
June 1, 2007 3:57 PM | Link to this
Wow, said it once already, but this Cub defense is plain AWFUL! Oh yeah, just an observation: That play Thorman just made; never would have been made in 1,000 years by LaRoche. It was pure heads up baserunning and good ol’ fashion HUSTLE! Way to go Thor!!!
By JasonInMaine
June 1, 2007 3:57 PM | Link to this
Well, I guess this is the inning that we string some hits together and have a big inning!!
By Bob
June 1, 2007 3:57 PM | Link to this
Shaun, you are right again my friend. Folks on this blog change their perceptions of the season on every pitch. Really hysterical to read some of these comments.
By Tomahawkin' Again
June 1, 2007 3:59 PM | Link to this
This is the Cubbies that we all love to play and giggle at. Pass balls, throwing errors, a 5-run inning, allowing the pitcher to go 2-3 w/an RBI. And knowing them, they’ll probably allow Zambrano to hit this inning and stay in to pitch the next inning. I’m sensing the brooms might be coming out at this time in 48 hours…
By ssiscribe
June 1, 2007 4:00 PM | Link to this
So, DOB, who won the fight in the Cubs’ dugout, Zambrano or Barrett? Man, that team sucks.
—30—
By beki
June 1, 2007 4:01 PM | Link to this
Davies got a base hit and drove in 2 runs;and,two cheesy hits on Chi errors make the score 7 - 1 ( Lee homered for the Chisox) going into the bottom of the 5th. Yesssssssssssssssss!
By Chop Chop
June 1, 2007 4:02 PM | Link to this
Lou Piniella breaking up a fight?
Do my eyes deceive me????????????????????
By Lew
June 1, 2007 4:02 PM | Link to this
I was listening to XM Home Plate this morning and they were talking about how the Braves probably couldn’t afford to pick up Zambrano. My question is, why would we want to? Maybe the Mets can pick him up. It will make it all the easier to beat them. Apparently the Braves have and always have had Zambrano’s number. Of course, after giving up Scott Kazmir for VICTOR Zambrano and given how well that move worked out, the Mets may be Zambrano-shy.
By Greg in TN
June 1, 2007 4:03 PM | Link to this
Wonder if AJ Pierzynski gets the winner of the Zambrano/Barrett tilt…
By Savannah Guy
June 1, 2007 4:03 PM | Link to this
So, any of you guys still want Zambrano?
By journalist jimmy smith
June 1, 2007 4:04 PM | Link to this
the escobar era will soon begin. perhaps escobar will force chipper to learn a new position and first base can be left in chipper’s care for a couple seasons. first base is where old hosses go when the parts start breaking down. there is much history here with our own atlanta braves - old guys end up prolonging the career at first. and what is going on with these cubs? fighting in the dugout! and will tbs find a way to leave chip caray in chicago? no wake up call maaybe? and where is chico cadahia today? gotta see if dob has chico wearing bigger pants yet. and it sure looks like fun at wrigley field except for the baseball team being so bad. look! ward is at-bat! imagine sending ward to the plate instead of woodward.
By coxman
June 1, 2007 4:07 PM | Link to this
Barrett is a better boxer than catcher. AJ will back that up. Now he takes on Zambrano.
By David O'Brien
June 1, 2007 4:07 PM | Link to this
Yeah, you guys think getting swept by the Phillies was bad … try being a baseball fan in Chicago about now.
Fighting in the dugout between the pitcher and catcher. Priceless. I ain’t gonna say nothing, but that ain’t right. It’s not as cool as the other side of the pillow.
By Ippississim
June 1, 2007 4:08 PM | Link to this
Did anyone besides me just see (on TBS right before the end-of-5th break) Zambrano trying to beat the c r a p out of his catcher in the Cubs’ dugout?
By MBATL
June 1, 2007 4:11 PM | Link to this
Now they say Piniella has headed into the clubhouse, probably to try to calm Zambrano down. Barret’s out of the game too, now… think they’re fighting in the shower?
Z had reason to be upset - that’s about as sloppy as I’ve ever seen a defense play - but he also gave up 2 hits to Orr, 2 to Davies…
Stats are one thing (and he’s having a bad year), but he’s really hurting his free agency with this kind of blowup. (By the way, if someone had told you Kyle Davies would have a better ERA than Carlos Zambrano on June 1… would you have believed it?)
By Greg in TN
June 1, 2007 4:12 PM | Link to this
Sorry, don’t know how that extra run got in my 3:55 post. That’s what I get when trying to score a ball game and a fight at the same time.
By A-ville Ranger
June 1, 2007 4:12 PM | Link to this
Yars There was music before 1957 and even 1897.James Brown was doing a live version of please,please,please in 1949.I’m told Mozart’s symphonies 39 thru 41 hold up fairly well also.
By Mark
June 1, 2007 4:12 PM | Link to this
DOB, after the fight in the dugout something else happened up the runway toward th clubhouse. Pinnella and Rothchild were seen running up to the clubhouse by TV cameras…any word on what went down?? The Cubs also took Barrett out after the incident.
By Braves Fan 79
June 1, 2007 4:14 PM | Link to this
The Braves will win this series….but bobby only seems to care about winning 2 out of 3…..while the mets try and sweep everybody. Because of our weak bench and our shaky end of the rotation (we gave redmen WAY 2 many chances!) And common pple look at todays game..our starting 3rd baseman has a sissling .180 batting average…and is a average fileder at best. In fact all woodward or orr are and good for is maybe to pitchrun.
Anyways becuase of this through 182 or whatever games theres no way we win as many games as the mets. I do believe we will win the wildcard and then win the first round to advance to play the mets in the NLCS. With smoltz and chipper healthy i think we can beat them in 6 or 7 and anything is possible in the world series.
Anyways….so our biggest competition right now isnt the mets…but the diamondbacks, dodgers, sandiego. I hope the mets SWEEP the diamondbacks!…because THATS the team thats ahead of us right now….where it counts…the race for the final playoff spot!
By TennesseePaul
June 1, 2007 4:15 PM | Link to this
Didn’t we establish the other day that often times teams that leave a lot of runner on also score a lot of runs
No. I do not recall that there was an establishment of “often times”. I recall a 1/3 of the season being analyzed showing that there is no relationship between the two and it can go both ways. As for the historical mark, the jury is still out.
But that doesn’t make it any less frustrating when your favorite team leaves guys all over the bases. It’s great a team can get on, but to win, the guys still must cross the plate.
As for this game… GO BRAVES!!
By Thrillhouse44
June 1, 2007 4:16 PM | Link to this
DOB, you had me laughing at work with this gem: Well, Coach, last I checked they go with the trainer and the medical diagnosis, plus the player’s pain level…rather than the manager’s gut feeling based on injuries he sustained in 1960.
By Braveheart
June 1, 2007 4:20 PM | Link to this
Holy Cornelia! Step away for a few hours and Pete Freaking Orr has two hits. If I were Zambrano and I gave up two hits to Pete Orr, I would be in a fighting mood myself, even with my catcher, who is a good Georgia boy and a good catcher.
By Thrillhouse44
June 1, 2007 4:22 PM | Link to this
Who’s “harder than the Wu-Tang Clan on steroids” - Zambrano or Barrett?
By A-ville Ranger
June 1, 2007 4:23 PM | Link to this
It’s not written in stone who the Bravos best young position player turns out to be.Frenchy seems determined to make a comversation out of it.
By rammerjammer
June 1, 2007 4:26 PM | Link to this
“So why don’t you make like a tree and get out of here?”
-Biff Tannen, Back to the Future
By rehydration engineer
June 1, 2007 4:30 PM | Link to this
kyle davies with 3 hits today!!
By Tomahawkin' Again
June 1, 2007 4:30 PM | Link to this
I just figured out the 1st base platoon: Thorman & Davies! Holy Cow!! He’s 3 for 4!!!
By BamaBrave
June 1, 2007 4:33 PM | Link to this
Woodward fouls out…and Davies gets a hit. That speaks volumes. Woodward must still pull for the Mets.
By TennesseePaul
June 1, 2007 4:33 PM | Link to this
Davies is still in there. I like that. I’d like to see him throw 100+ today. If he can get 1 more inning that’d be a real plus. Now, he’s on base. Knock him in Bravos!
By Ron Roberts
June 1, 2007 4:33 PM | Link to this
How big a win would today be if the team can go out there and get terrific performances from Kelly Johnson, Edgar Renteria, Jeff Francoeur and Kyle Davies?!?! after getting all that bad news before the game about Chipper and Smoltzie?
Huge game today, boys. Now we just need (I’m) Chuck James (b!tch!*) to come in tomorrow and be as good as he was his last time out.
By songwriter jimmy smith
June 1, 2007 4:34 PM | Link to this
(A-weema-weh, a-weema-weh, a-weema-weh, a-weema-weh)
(A-weema-weh, a-weema-weh, a-weema-weh, a-weema-weh)
in the dugout
the third base dugout
the cubbies fight it out
in the dugout
the third base dugout
the cubbies fight it out
(A-weema-weh, a-weema-weh, a-weema-weh, a-weema-weh)
(A-weema-weh, a-weema-weh, a-weema-weh, a-weema-weh)
Near the clubhouse
the cubbies clubhouse
it starts up again
Near the clubhouse
the cubbies clubhouse
it starts up again
(A-weema-weh, a-weema-weh, a-weema-weh, a-weema-weh)
(A-weema-weh, a-weema-weh, a-weema-weh, a-weema-weh)
Hush pinella
don’t fear pinella
remember it’s the cubs
Hush pinella
don’t fear pinella
remember it’s the cubs
By A-ville Ranger
June 1, 2007 4:34 PM | Link to this
Harris’ speed is a real asset to the team.
By BamaBrave
June 1, 2007 4:37 PM | Link to this
Wow…and Britney Spears thinks SHE’s hit rock bottom. The Cubs may take the cake.
By Ron Roberts
June 1, 2007 4:37 PM | Link to this
THIS JUST IN:
Kyle Davies’ ERA is lower than Carlos Zambrano.
The Cubs get nothing from us in the way of a trade offer for this over-rated arm. Jayon Stark, are you reading this?
By Ron Roberts
June 1, 2007 4:42 PM | Link to this
if Kelly, Edgar, and Jeff Francoeur aren’t on the All-Star team representing the Braves this season, there’s no justice in the system.
Wait, there is no justice in the way that team’s put together, though, is there?
By TennesseePaul
June 1, 2007 4:46 PM | Link to this
Oh DeRo. Where are those who lament the loss of this guy? Totally over rated. How much are they paying him for that one good season?
By eric the elder
June 1, 2007 4:46 PM | Link to this
Andruw is hitting 18 points higher than Kyle Davies.
By dcarp23
June 1, 2007 4:51 PM | Link to this
DonC—As to McCann’s lack of power, without looking at it I’d imagine you’d see a significant offensive drop off following his finger injury. I would guess a power shortage relates directly to that.
By Caleb
June 1, 2007 4:52 PM | Link to this
DOB, thanks for the answers. I’m relieved to hear about Smoltz. Just hope he doesn’t favor his shoulder in anyway and have it change his mechanics. Don’t want it to get worse.
Maybe we should have Davies DH in some of the interleague games, lol. 3 for 4 today.
By bruce
June 1, 2007 4:55 PM | Link to this
Hope Chipper sees a orthopedic hand-specialist… they do “motion-studies” xrays and measure angles of the hand bones in different positions and can diagnose tears or shoot some dye in and use x-ray video to watch where the dye goes… my experience was a torn scapho-lunate ligment which required gourmet surgery, but my symptoms were different from Chipper’s… the ligament tore weeks after a hyper-extension sprain when I fell on it playing basketball…. the tear felt like a wasp sting when I was emptying a trash can, the regular orthopod had warned me that if the bee sting happened to come back…. he sent me directly to a hand specialist who started arthroscopically and then when he saw the damage opened it up…. not suggesting this is what Chipper has ahead of him, just that I was impressed with diagnotic tools the hand specialists use, bone movement on video when the hand closes in slow motion is amazing to watch…. bones appear to get out of the way of each other just in time. Wishing and hoping for the best for Chipper.
By ncscoots
June 1, 2007 4:55 PM | Link to this
Ron, so why the italics of shock that Davies might have a good game? He’s pitched pretty well for more than a month.
Folks tend to remember the struggles of a young pitcher, and fail to notice the lessons learned from such struggles. My guess is that, as the year goes on, you’ll want to use those italics when he has a BAD game, rather than the other way around.
By Ron Roberts
June 1, 2007 4:57 PM | Link to this
Seriously, with Kelly, Edgar, Frenchy, ya have to consider Smoltz, Hudson and our Soriano for the All-Star team, too, right?
Of course, middle-relievers have a hard time getting All-Star bids, but damn, our Soriano deserves a spot.
By A-ville Ranger
June 1, 2007 4:59 PM | Link to this
Moylen melting down is a big fat downer man.He looked so good just a couple of weeks back.
By Renegator
June 1, 2007 5:00 PM | Link to this
This just in - Chris Woodward sucks.
DOB: I thought the Braves signed Woodward so he could relieve Renteria at SS. Has he even played one play there yet this year?
By Braveheart
June 1, 2007 5:02 PM | Link to this
if Kelly, Edgar, and Jeff Francoeur aren’t on the All-Star team representing the Braves this season, there’s no justice in the system.
Braves fans can blame themselves. Start voting people. Don’t post until you vote. There is no excuse for David Wright to be an All Star over Chipper. Look in the mirror. Don’t post until you vote. There is no excuse for Chipper not being an All Star since 2001 - you all are hurting his HOF chances by not getting him into All Star games. Again, DON’T POST ‘TIL YOU VOTE!
By Gotta Complain About Something
June 1, 2007 5:03 PM | Link to this
Can you believe it? Eleven runners left on base. 11!!! Where is the clutch hitting?!?
And Woodward. Why couldn’t he get a freaking hit? Everyone else did…EVEN THE PITCHER!
And did you see the Cubs players fighting? Why can’t WE have that kind of spirit? Instead, just a bunch of suitcase-toting millionaires. Makes me sick.
And why didn’t Cox pinch-hit for Davies? Why did he bring in Moylan? Why not Paronto? Doesn’t he need the work?
And ANOTHER error by Johnson? Oh, for Marcus Giles again.
And here come the runs off Moylan. Grrr…I knew this would happen. Freaking tattooed freak.
Only a four-run lead! It’s unbearable.
By bruce
June 1, 2007 5:04 PM | Link to this
Dave if that is your AJC article on the site about the dugout dust-up… Not sure because it says by AJC rather than DOB… I believe the replacement catcher was Hill not Blanco… Thanks, Bruce
By A-ville Ranger
June 1, 2007 5:04 PM | Link to this
Really Andruw’s hitting 18 better than Davies ? There I was bragging on Kyle.
By IlliniBrave
June 1, 2007 5:05 PM | Link to this
Do you realize we are just two wind-aided fly balls (Murton’s super-deep fly to Willie and DeRo’s hooked drive past the foul pole) from being tied 8-8? Nothing is a given at Wrigley!
By MBATL
June 1, 2007 5:07 PM | Link to this
Moylan had pretty bad luck; the hit by Izturis could’ve been played by Thorman; then the botched double play on the error by KJ; all the runs were unearned, and except for the HR by Ramirez (who never should’ve been up in the inning), Moylan pitched okay.
By Savannah Guy
June 1, 2007 5:08 PM | Link to this
Strange moments in sports: Maybe Panella followed Zambrano into the dugout and they proceeded to smack each other around, then Ron Dibble rushed in to break it up and lead them both in a group hug.
By geauxbraves2000
June 1, 2007 5:09 PM | Link to this
It seems (maybe to me only, nonetheless) there always has to be a negative in the Braves game. Davies looked great, the offense looked great, 8 runs on 19 hits so far, awesome, but then Moylan comes in and dampens the joy. Will Wickman have to finish this game now?
A win is a win, but I sure miss the times when I didn’t have to sweat out a seven run lead.
Geaux Braves!!
By flange1
June 1, 2007 5:10 PM | Link to this
Gotta complain about something,
STEP AWAY FROM THE COFFEE…IT WILL BE OK…
We are still up by 4.
Where is N8? We need him to complain quick so we will win this game!
By MBATL
June 1, 2007 5:11 PM | Link to this
20 hits with NO HOME RUNS? … if this stands up, that’s got to be some kind of Braves’ record.
By 1957 Braves Fan
June 1, 2007 5:11 PM | Link to this
No Braves lead is ever safe.
By TennesseePaul
June 1, 2007 5:16 PM | Link to this
ncscoots: As true today as when it was written. Davies has been steadily improving. His numbers get bloated real fast when he struggles and exists with runners on. The next guy in almost always lets all those runners score. He’s had quite a few good starts of late and now his ERA is below 5 and sinking. I’m not sure he’ll get it down below 4 this year but no matter. He’s the back end. If he can give us this type of game every 2 starts or so I’m happy.
I didn’t get to see this game on TV, was Davies throwing his curve? Last time I watched him on TV that thing was beautiful.
By Braveheart
June 1, 2007 5:17 PM | Link to this
Britney Spears thinks SHE’s hit rock bottom.
Does she think that? I don’t get that impression. I think she is about as dumb as rocks and could not figure out for herself that she has hit rock bottom. As Cobain sang, I must be dumb, no, I’m just happy. But in Spears case, if she is still happy, then she is even dumber than I think. Maybe she needs to listen to Sheryl Crow, If it makes you happy, then why are you so sad.
DOB: I thought the Braves signed Woodward so he could relieve Renteria at SS. Has he even played one play there yet this year?
Renegator if something happens to Edgar in the next few weeks, we all are blaming you for jinxing Steady Eddie.
By N8
June 1, 2007 5:17 PM | Link to this
All in favor of Soriano being the closer, raise your right hand.
(My right hand is raised.)
By fastasballs
June 1, 2007 5:19 PM | Link to this
I’m getting that bad feeling again
By bruce
June 1, 2007 5:21 PM | Link to this
Can anyone read lips? what did Wicky say after the double play to end the game…. ??
By flange1
June 1, 2007 5:23 PM | Link to this
Thanks N8 you saved the day!
By geauxbraves2000
June 1, 2007 5:23 PM | Link to this
Never a worry.
Oy vey.
WTG Braves!!
By Bob, Journalist
June 1, 2007 5:24 PM | Link to this
I didn’t see David’s original comments or the post to which he responded … but I did see his rationalization for not capitalizing God.
Personally, methinks capitalizing God is important from both a definitional and a respect perspective … and my failing to so do would be unthinkable. Here in the USA, it is in God that we trust, not god … or, at least we used to so do! There are 50 State Constitutions that support that posit.
I would hope that my capitalizing God is not considered offensive by those who might believe in a different deity … for if indeed there is but one, then it belongs to us all or we to it, as the case may be, regardless of how we might choose to define or worship our God.
If there is more than one, then methinks God(s) should always be capitalized when referring to the deities so as to distinguish them from the gods that are of man’s creation.
My views on religion and my religious beliefs or views are in no significant way related but methinks it’s impossible to exclude my religious beliefs from that which I do, persona or no, and that includes my writing … for that is what I am.
My basis for respecting someone isn’t tied to their views on religion … but that in which one believes is what defines what one is … and that has everything to do with the respect one commands and/or receives.
Methinks most folks are agnostic … the odds of winning the lottery are much better than finding one who isn’t … I believe that all men share a belief in God simply as a result of their own limitations, if for no other reason … but if atheists are those who refuse to accept any of the religions created by man to explain God and provide a framework for worshiping … then I can understand and respect that too.
Yes, I would hope that my capitalizing God isn’t considered offensive … but if it is, I’m not going to be defensive about it … and, by God, it’s highly unlikely that I’m going to change!
By Braveheart
June 1, 2007 5:24 PM | Link to this
magic number is 114!
By rehydration engineer
June 1, 2007 5:28 PM | Link to this
checking the boxscore, woodward had 2 ab no hits, no walks, the rest of the team had 20 hits 2 walks …….. i may have to join the get rid of woodward cause. honestly didnt need him today but he still could have join the hit parade man.
By ernesto
June 1, 2007 5:29 PM | Link to this
I predict Zambrano’s prediction about winning the cy young will prove to be wrong.
I know I’m going out on a limb on this one, but I just have a feeling.
By IlliniBrave
June 1, 2007 5:31 PM | Link to this
Is it just me, or does Big Wick seem like a white version of Ray “Burger” King? Overweight, hyper-sweating, slow-working, reliever who gives up lots of walks and too many homers, and makes games closer than they should be. The similarities are scary!
By N8
June 1, 2007 5:33 PM | Link to this
DOB
“Fighting in the dugout between the pitcher and catcher. Priceless. I ain’t gonna say nothing, but that ain’t right. It’s not as cool as the other side of the pillow.”
Priceless. Love it.
Listen here. You don’t gotta go, but choo gotta get the heck on up oughta here!
BOOYA!
By Wickman
June 1, 2007 5:35 PM | Link to this
When the game was over, was Bob Wickman yelling and cursing about Woodward playing back at third and allowing the bunt single? I will be glad when Woodward gets released. He was the only Brave to strike out today and he did so looking in the 9th.
By eric the elder
June 1, 2007 5:35 PM | Link to this
Bob, journalist, it was our founding fathers’ belief in God that prevented my grandmother from being able to vote until she was in her 30s. Institutionalized religions don’t treat their women very well. But then that’s really not what you were talking about, and I apologize for going off topic.
What was Wickman barking about (at length) at the end of the game. DOB, can you shed any light?
By Alex
June 1, 2007 5:37 PM | Link to this
NY MUTS fans…you don’t win the division in June, July or August, you win it in September!
Something to think about MUTS fans, we know you are all jealous and insecure…hell, I’d be that too if my team got owned for 14 years in a row!
Jealous, b/c you wish the overpayed and aging NY MUTS had half the success the Braves have had in the last 14 years.
Insecure b/c you have to think in the back of your little minds, that the Braves will not go away like you wish they would, b/c you doubt, b/c you’ve been thought you are the second best team in the NL East for a better part of your life!
So get a fraking life why don’t you? You are truly pathetic!
By N8
June 1, 2007 5:39 PM | Link to this
“Thanks N8 you saved the day!”
I do my best. Braves are now 31-22 in games that I’ve complained about/during.
Yeah, yeah. I know that their record is 32-23. But there was a loss last week that I was NO WHERE near a computer or TV to see what was going on, to complain too.
I figured my friends would think I’m a little “odd” if out of nowhere, I would just yell “SON OF A B!TCH!” at the top of my lungs.
Then when asked “what’s wrong”, I would have to respond: “Oh, nothing really. But I’m SURE the Braves are doing something that I would be complaining about right now.
:-)
By A-ville Ranger
June 1, 2007 5:43 PM | Link to this
See what a low payroll can buy a team.A Zambrano free locker room.WHEW we’ve got enough busted up bodies as it is.
By fastasballs
June 1, 2007 5:44 PM | Link to this
I really like when Willie is hitting second. Seems like he & KJ are on base constantly. He is on fire again, guess we won’t hear he is not a major league player anymore.
Best hitting effort of the year. Is it just me or have the Braves been involved in a lot of strange games this year?
Hill goes tomorrow, I hope he is not turning into Oliver Perez of the Central Division. He does have a wicked curve.
By beki
June 1, 2007 5:48 PM | Link to this
Is it just me? but doesn’t Wickman enjoy-just a little too much-living a little too closely to the edge of a possible loss before getting the final out? Whew that was close!!!!!!!!!!
By fastasballs
June 1, 2007 5:53 PM | Link to this
N8, You arrived in the nick of time!
Wickman Was Wickman really yelling about Woodward? I missed the double play that ended it.
Can you imagine Pete Orr’s feelings? He has his best game of the year & he is pitch hit for by Woodward. That’s gotta hurt deep down. Maybe Woodward is taking over Orr’s position of team suck up. Could have at least brought Prado in for defensive purposes, he has shown a bit more with the glove than those two have.
By Kentavo
June 1, 2007 5:55 PM | Link to this
IT looked like Wickmans said, more than once, “every f*n’ time I come here” perhaps referring to his lack of success at Wrigley.
By AZBravoFan
June 1, 2007 6:07 PM | Link to this
IlliniBrave, Back off on Wickman, man! Too many homers? That was the second HR he’s given up as a Brave! He had one bad game against Philly last year, and his only bad games this year were when he was pitching hurt. There is absolutly nothing about him, other than his weight, that reminds me of Ray King.
By A-ville Ranger
June 1, 2007 6:11 PM | Link to this
DOB This was your best of late.How many short blogs conjure images of madd Dr Andrews fractically hacking away at a giant cash cow.Followed by inept little bears serving up gofer balls and stumbling around the field.And act three the death scene of rosebud burning atop a heep,a fatal symbol of lost youth,innocence and a life more ordinary.rosebud,rosebud,blah,blah,blah.
By Wickman
June 1, 2007 6:16 PM | Link to this
Must have been the homer by Jones that Wick was barking at.
By journalist jimmy smith
June 1, 2007 6:25 PM | Link to this
“I think there’s something else,” Jones said. “I’ve got pain on the outside of both my hammock bones. I’ve got pain radiating in both my wrists.”
quick! where is doc and what is a hammock bone? and is it what it sounds like it is and wouldn’t that cause pain in the seat rather than pain in the thumb? oh, the humanity! hammock bones!
and hammock bone is not in the song … With the finger bone connected to the hand bone, and the hand bone connected to the arm bone, and the arm bone connected to the shoulder bone, Oh mercy how they scare!
see? no mention of hammock bones.
By DonCoburleone
June 1, 2007 6:28 PM | Link to this
Rich Hill definately scares me tomorrow, but he has been very hittable lately. We’ve got back-to-back lefties now and I don’t think we’ve ever seen either of them; UH OH! But, then again, it’s the Cubs :)
By journalist jimmy smith
June 1, 2007 6:30 PM | Link to this
is some mean-spirited person having a little fun with uh, chipper? imagine hammock bones! where is doc? doc, please get on this blog and tell us about these hammock bones that are removing chipper from the lineup. are these the wish bones? and what happens when these bones are pulled? get a wish, right?
By StingerSplash
June 1, 2007 6:32 PM | Link to this
If you see my dad Tell him my pitcher and catcher Have all gone mad They’re beating on each other….
By StingerSplash
June 1, 2007 6:39 PM | Link to this
Braves Ween Fan,
Try 107.3 FM out of Statesboro/Claxton. Strong signal, though it runs up against a 99X-type station in Jacksonville if you venture south down I-95. And DOB, if you are ever in Sav’h, we got the best burger in the world at Crystal Beer Parlor. Even better than Litton’s in Knoxvegas and better than Vortex. BTW, Revolver is better than Sgt. Pepper’s.
By IlliniBrave
June 1, 2007 6:44 PM | Link to this
AZBravoFan Okay so I was wrong about the homers - his HR/9 is slightly below the league average for relievers. Sorry about that one.
But as far as the similarities b/w BigWick and King - dude, take another look. They have almost identical stats - same BB/9 (over the league avg), H/9 (also over), K/9, etc. King’s ERA is actually a little lower. And they are EXACTLY the same height and weight!
By ncscoots
June 1, 2007 6:46 PM | Link to this
Just watched Lou on SportsCenter, and I make it 9-5 he gets himself tossed tomorrow. Either to fire up his team, or because he just won’t want to take it anymore.
His interview started out calmly enough, but, by the end of it, he had basically thrown his players under a bus. Paraphrasing, “some of them need to start playing like major leaguers”, “need somebody who can catch the [darn] ball and run the bases”, “if they can’t, get somebody in here who can”, “I know what I’d do, let’s leave it at that”. Holy Cornelia.
If I were as frustrated as Lou seems to be, I might make those remarks to the GM (in probably just as forceful a manner), but in the interview room? Man.
That kind of stuff makes you want to run through a brick wall for the guy, all right…as long as he stays on the other side of the wall.
By Víctor
June 1, 2007 7:02 PM | Link to this
Hey DOB, I could not make it!!! what a shame, I went late & did not see the first inning… even though was a good game, I was behind the home plate and have the opportunity to see Zambrano’s actions (thanks god we can afford him, because is a distraction in the dogout)… did you remember the Brewers game in wich Ricky Weeks made an error and Sheets was yelling, clapping and suporting him from the dogout… that’s the kind of player that I want for my team…
By Coach
June 1, 2007 7:05 PM | Link to this
O’Brien , you have got to be kidding me , right ? That’s your lame a$$ excuse for losing a roster spot for eight games. There is no excuse for it , period. None , so stop apologizing for Bobby’s brain fart.
By Víctor
June 1, 2007 7:08 PM | Link to this
I made a mistake… I want to say that we can not afford Zambrano… just to clarify
By A-ville Ranger
June 1, 2007 7:13 PM | Link to this
Let’s not be diss’n on the cubbys.remember the Nationals!remember the Nationals!
By choppinmama
June 1, 2007 7:15 PM | Link to this
songwriterjimmysmith: love the song, you have your head on SO right! But……if Spector’s secretary calls wantin’ to collaberate……..hang up at once.
Smoltz must be sooo jealous of Davies’ 3 for 3. Pitching AND hitting great, you can’t ask for more.
Hey, DOB: let’s say Andruw makes another one of those horizontal, laid-out caches tomorrow on that newly-tatted arm/elbow, develops a raging flesh-eating bacterial infection from the Wrigley outfield, and gets put on the permanent DL? How long would the Braves have to pay his salary? Would his Braves insurance cover all of thosse skin grafts? A denizen wonders….
By choppinmama
June 1, 2007 7:19 PM | Link to this
Turnin’2: probably won’t get to town ‘til the Nats series this month, I’ll be in touch. Also, Wash. trip might be doable.
By fastasballs
June 1, 2007 7:21 PM | Link to this
I heard on ESPN radio a few minutes ago that Zambrano & Barret went at it again in the locker room. Zambrano split Barret’s lip open so bad he had to go to the hospital. Unreal!
By journalist jimmy smith
June 1, 2007 7:22 PM | Link to this
dob is waiting for victor to show up and dob will not be able to blog anymore tonight. so, this jouranlist will assume dob’s duties for a short time.
now, music … how about that johnny cash?
now, hoss … what the heck is a hammock bone?
now, cheese … mmmm …
and, lastly, baseball trivia … who was the last baseball player to be placed on the d.l. for sore hammock bones?
close answer: george brett
By Bob
June 1, 2007 7:22 PM | Link to this
IlliniBrave,
One other difference between Ray King and Bob Wickman. Ray King has 253 fewer saves.
By Savannah Guy
June 1, 2007 7:29 PM | Link to this
By StingerSplash Don’t think I can agree with you on the Crystal Beer Parlor burger. Since the biz was sold to the new owners a few years ago they have dropped about 5 points on the 1-10 scale…which now puts them at a 5 in my SavannahGuy Zagat report.
If you do go there, ask for the “Smitty Burger”. It’s not on the menu, but in the old days, when Smitty was still there, he would order up a burger on toasted rye with grilled onions. They’ll still make it but you may have to tell’em how.
Now if you are in Savannah and want the finest ribs you have EVER eaten…EVER …ANYWHERE…then I have the place for you. Only the local “foodies” even know about it and it’s open only on Thurs, Fri and Sat. Takeouts. Ready for it? Walls Ribs. Yep. It’s in an alley and the ladies have been smoking those baby-backs for 50 years.
Once I ran by there to grab a few orders with their potato salad and collards and, to my amazement, there were about 30 people waiting out the door and up the alley in line. I couldn’t believe it. They were well dressed. Most surprising…they were almost all white folks.
So, there I am, a another regular white guy (usually the only one there) at an authentic, local soul food place getting my Wall’s rib fix on this Friday afternoon, had my Heineken in the car waiting for their perfect accompaniment… and I’m held up by all these hoity-toity tourists.
So I asked one of them closest in line in front of me if they were a traveling group. She replied, “yes”. So I asked, where are you from? She said, “well, I’m from New York, those two are from Kansas, that gentleman there is from Australia, they are from England, Kenya, France…”and so on.
Of course then I asked what kind of group they were. She said, to my astonishment, “travel food writers”. “We’re in Savannah to write about two restaurants.” Which ones I asked.
What she said really surprised me even more. She said, “Walls BBQ and Elizabeth’s on 37th (E on 37 happens to be a highly acclaimed 5-star restaurant).
All I could think to say was…please don’t write about Walls…we’ll never be able to get in again!
Well, it’s still the same great place, so check it out. Just don’t tell anyone. ; )
Mmmm…I just talked myself into some. Headed there now.
By snowball's chance
June 1, 2007 7:30 PM | Link to this
DOB, as religion has reared it’s murderous head,(you can look it up) I have to tell a story about telemarketers.I know, stay with me. My wife runs her business through our home phone, so I rarely answer it. I was expecting a call so I picked up the phone and was asked to donate to the Franciscan seminary. The poor guy had barely started his spiel before I said excuse me, but my years under the Franciscans were not a fond memory,what with all the pederasts.He said thank you very much and hung up. End of story.
I kind of felt like I was in the scene from the Departed with Jack harrassing the clerics. Maybe not that good,but my daughter loved it.
By Gil in Mechanicsville
June 1, 2007 7:35 PM | Link to this
Coach It’s brainfarct… Like infarct for heart attacks… Get it right if you are going to use the term. Sheesh…
Now baseball….. I hope you folks enjoy the Richmond Braves lineup. I will be interested to see if Bobby plays Willie Harris, Prado and Escobar behind Buddy Carlyle.
The fracas in the Cubs dugout reminds me so much of the Baltimore club when they had all those high priced free agents. Terrible team chemistry, terrible team. Once again shows that it’s not how much you spend, it’s how you spend it.
I sure am glad that Hudson and McCann didn’t react in a like manner of Barrett and Zambrano when they had their mix up Thursday. Each blamed themselves instead of each other.
By MEB
June 1, 2007 7:36 PM | Link to this
Yeah, but Ray “Burger” King has a better nickname. By the way… what is Bob Wickman’s nickname?
Buffalo, Wicky, Here’s the Beef???
By Bob, Journalist
June 1, 2007 7:44 PM | Link to this
Mark Borman likes Davies … “the 23 year-old right-hander gave indication that he can bring much-needed stability to the back of the bullpen”
15, 14, 20 … it could, and probably should, be better but I like those numbers.
Cato, I’m a proponent of neither institutionalized religion nor universal sufferage though I strongly believe in the privilege of voting being extended to all so qualified, regardless of status or gender.
Mind triggers … who knows where this will lead?
Without the individual, there would be no collective but without the collective, it’s unlikely that we would have survived and certainly there whould have been little progress … it’s like my ninth grade English teacher said, it is important that we learn from the mistakes of others … we won’t live long enough to make them all ourselves.
A good friend, schoolmate and highly successful Atlanta businessman of whom many of you have heard, told me the same thing when teaching me Chess … you only learn when you lose. Simple words of wisdom … suffice it to say that he took it to heart and learned a lot!
While directionally true, I think it’s simplistic to blame our flaws on our institutions. When white man speak with forked tongue, the lies, deceit and insincerity are lies, deceit and insincerity; regardless of the white man’s skin color or gender.
It’s seemingly the nature of man to use that which he holds Holy to defend his position … but, I don’t believe the doctrine should be damned just because man chooses to bend it to his will when he finds it convenient to so do.
As the lawyers for most mass murderers will tell you, their client’s should not be held responsible for they are but the unfortunate products of our institutions.
My Mama was to young to vote in 1920 so she didn’t have to wait … but, since she always cancelled out my vote, I have always had mixed feelings on the wisdom of the 19th Amendment … however, our religious beliefs were quite similiar … and she spelled God with a capital “G” too.
Without transition, I hope Kelly Johnson’s dedication to acheiving excellence doesn’t negatively impact his performance … there’s subtle confidence difference between playing within one’s self … and being reluctant to extend one’s self for fear of failure. Methinks therein lies the origin of Langerhans’ problems at the plate.
By journalist jimmy smith
June 1, 2007 7:44 PM | Link to this
s.i. is reporting that zambrano and barrett fought again in the clubhouse and zambrano busted barrett’s lip so badly that barrett was taken to a hospital.
By Mets rule. You drool
June 1, 2007 7:45 PM | Link to this
Just curious who are you rootign for tonight in the DBack vs. The Mets.
If I was you I’d root for the Dbacks, they are ahead of you in the wild card.
Join me will you - Mets! Mets! Mets! Let’s go Mets!
By Mets rule. You drool
June 1, 2007 7:47 PM | Link to this
I meant If I was you I’d root for the Amazin’ Mets.
Seriously. The race in the East is over…go for the Wild Card and we can sapnk you in the NLCS.
By IlliniBrave
June 1, 2007 7:48 PM | Link to this
Bob:
Good one - you got me!
But damn, just watching BigWick work on the mound - that big gut, sweating profusely, working very slowly, throwing too many balls, and just generally making me nervous. It just brings back memories of Burger King.
By DonCoburleone
June 1, 2007 7:51 PM | Link to this
Here’s the Beef, HA!
By DonCoburleone
June 1, 2007 7:55 PM | Link to this
Lets go D-Backs!!!! My boy Eric Byrnes is gonna BURN you fools!
By Victor Z.
June 1, 2007 8:02 PM | Link to this
You want some of what he got?
By Gil in Mechanicsville
June 1, 2007 8:06 PM | Link to this
Mets rule. You drool You are a fool if you think a Braves fan would be that uncool.
Now, it is time for the D’backs to take your team to school……
By snowball's chance
June 1, 2007 8:12 PM | Link to this
I’d just like to add that my daughter is 24 with an MA from a Jesuit university. She got a good education but she didn’t buy their religious trip. I made it a point not to poison her mind with my cynical viewpoint. She had to earn that on her own. For $100,000 blue collar union dollars I did ge a couple Gonzaga sweatshirs. And that is after some big scholarships. Oh,what the lack of a capital shift has done to the blog! Shalom.
By Mets rule. You drool
June 1, 2007 8:13 PM | Link to this
I’m sorry guys. I didn’t mean to attack you guys earlier.
It’s just that my mangina hurts.
By Bob, Journalist
June 1, 2007 8:13 PM | Link to this
The race in the East is over … that may be true … but, are you sure your horse won? Watch the replays … the outcome may be a bit different that you imagine.
Twenty hits while running on only 6 cylinders and needing a tuneup … twern’t nothin’ … not when compared to what can be done.
By fastasballs
June 1, 2007 8:15 PM | Link to this
2-0 D-Backs & Webb is dealing.
By SeasonTicketHolder
June 1, 2007 8:20 PM | Link to this
Turnin2 I am a season ticket holder who sits over the Braves dugout(2 rows back actually) and at least 3 times this year I’ve witnessed Hubby getting in Andruw’s face when he’s not run out a dribbler and saw excruciating pain on TP’s face each time Andruw took that ‘screw myself into the ground’ swing.
So yes, Shaun I know exactly what T2 is talking about. And isn’t it a nice change to see Andruw actually make an adjustment? Finally!
By SeasonTicketHolder
June 1, 2007 8:22 PM | Link to this
Turnin2 I am a season ticket holder who sits over the Braves dugout(2 rows back actually) and at least 3 times this year I’ve witnessed Hubby getting in Andruw’s face when he’s not run out a dribbler and saw excruciating pain on TP’s face each time Andruw took that ‘screw myself into the ground’ swing.
So yes, Shaun I know exactly what T2 is talking about. And isn’t it a nice change to see Andruw actually make an adjustment? Finally!
By A-ville Ranger
June 1, 2007 8:25 PM | Link to this
I wonder if the team would allow Barrett to press charges.At this point they could be looking for an escape clause,while Barrett was probably just looking to escape.
By snowball's chance
June 1, 2007 8:26 PM | Link to this
Wright and Beltran out of the lineup tonight. We feel the Mutts pain.
By Greg in TN
June 1, 2007 8:27 PM | Link to this
Evening friends and neighbors,
Wow, had to read this three times to make sure my eyes weren’t playing tricks on me.
And did you see the Cubs players fighting? Why can’t WE have that kind of spirit? Instead, just a bunch of suitcase-toting millionaires. Makes me sick.
That’s NOT spirit. That’s a clubhouse SELF-DESTRUCTING. Please, by all means, go be sick. I’d be sick if it were the other way around.
Okay folks, just had to get that out of the ‘ol system. Today’s Kung Fu Fighting in the Cubs dugout really overshadowed a solid day turned in by one Kyle Davies. 7 IP, 6 H, 1 ER. A really great time to put that horrible start last time out against the Phillies behind him. Moylan’s runs were all unearned and Wick had a little bit of an adventure in the ninth, but all in all, I’m pleased with the outcome today.
By Víctor
June 1, 2007 8:27 PM | Link to this
D-Backs 2 Mets 0 Top 6th… oopsss
By Zambrano
June 1, 2007 8:42 PM | Link to this
Ok no more nice s* I’m really p* now,You aholes are asking for it D you mouthy sonofa you think that little bit* Barrett got it,f* you ain’t seen sh you bunch of a* candy,now I’m serious I’ll find all of you sissy a* motherf* pansys a* little Pu.I’ll find you and come rip your head off and sh* down your throat,you sorry aed punks.gd* son** bas*bit* I’m coming.
By Mets rule. You drool
June 1, 2007 8:44 PM | Link to this
And who are you going to root for in the All Star game when 4 or 5 of the starters are Mets? You have the pipedream of going to the series so you want to root for the NL right?
And if your fat catcher gets to go, he can warm up El Duque while LoD. gets ready to start.
By StingerSplash
June 1, 2007 8:53 PM | Link to this
Savannah Guy, I have been to the CBP since the new ownership and it’s not at the level of its former incarnation (but then again, what is), I didn’t think it had slipped that much. On a scale of 1-10, I thought it was a 9.5. I thought the old CBP went all the way to 11. And for true artery-busting, taste bud-heaven - try Willie’s WeeNee Wagon in Brunswick.
By fastasballs
June 1, 2007 8:57 PM | Link to this
Muts fool, Are you really that dumb? El Dookie is not going to the All Star game, he’s only started 7 games all year.
By N8
June 1, 2007 8:58 PM | Link to this
Does anybody else hear that little “buzzing” in their ear, that won’t seem to go away?
By Víctor
June 1, 2007 9:04 PM | Link to this
Lo Duca over Mc is a joke!!! was last year & it is happen this year is going to be a joke!!! Beltran over Druw another one!!! and Reyes is not a lock starter…ah, one last thing Wrigh over Larry Wayne??? man I do not one stuff you are smokin’
By Bob, Journalist
June 1, 2007 9:07 PM | Link to this
Scoots, hopefully you weren’t surprised by Lou’s behavior … the Loupard’s spots are like that of the Leopard. Dollars will get you KKs that today’s incidents in the dugout and clubhouse were spawned by old Lou himself.
I always worried about playing a team that was frustrated, mad and upset … they can easily be exploited … but, they are also highly volatile and dangerous.
By A-ville Ranger
June 1, 2007 9:09 PM | Link to this
Godfather two has just started on Bravo.Now that’s a movie I cannot refuse.
By Mets rule. You drool
June 1, 2007 9:11 PM | Link to this
If not El Duque, then Glavine or Maine, with Wagner lurking in the pen - it’s all good. Smith should go too.
By SteelCav
June 1, 2007 9:15 PM | Link to this
Sign of obsession…Mets fans on a Braves blog while the Mets are playing the D’Backs………..huh?
By Bob
June 1, 2007 9:16 PM | Link to this
D-Backs 5-0 bottom of 8th
By Drummerdad
June 1, 2007 9:18 PM | Link to this
I’m not much of a stats fanatic or cruncher, but I was just looking at some numbers on Chipper. Even with being injured he’s still got some of the best numbers in the league. For a banged up “old timer” he’s still playing well. Maybe Escobar will start some brush fires while he’s up. We could use somebody who is hot while Chipper rests his digits.
It’s good to see Davies start getting comfortable at the plate.
By Bob
June 1, 2007 9:20 PM | Link to this
Mets Rule, Maine gets another loss tonight. Sorry but no all star game for him.
By ernesto
June 1, 2007 9:23 PM | Link to this
Watching a little Yanks/Sox up here and the commentators are asking if what ARod did last night was Bush League (calling “mine” on an infield pop up while he ran the bases). Isn’t ARod known for Bush plays like that - glove slapping and what not. Their take up here is that “he’s just really competitive” and “what’s the difference between that and hte old hidden ball trick, or a pitcher faking to first then third” Seems pretty apologetic to me. I lived in Dallas when ARod played for the Rangers and he wasn’t all that popular there either, I don’t know the man, but the “jerk” label seems to follow him.
By Mets rule. You drool
June 1, 2007 9:25 PM | Link to this
5-1, Mets making a comeback. How’s that taste?
By chris
June 1, 2007 9:28 PM | Link to this
DOB,
I noticed that Boyer started and went 3 plus innings yesterday for Richmond. Are the Braves trying to make him a starter now?
Thx,
Chris from MD
By SteelCav
June 1, 2007 9:30 PM | Link to this
Good article on Escobar from the Richmond paper.
http://www.inrich.com/cva/ric/sports/baseball.apx.-content-articles-RTD-2007-05-30-0081.html
He is very aggressive at the plate, which is not uncommon for his age/lack of exp. Should be a good one.
By IlliniBrave
June 1, 2007 9:33 PM | Link to this
The most “bush” thing that A-Rod did was take an escort to a strip club. Wonder if he slid in head first.
By fastasballs
June 1, 2007 9:34 PM | Link to this
1 run is a comeback? You’re an idiot. How’s that taste?
The Muts are going to be lucky to win one game against the D-Backs in this series.
By Carolina Lady
June 1, 2007 9:39 PM | Link to this
Evenin’, all! I have to say that I honestly thought that no one would even notice that I was on “sabbatical” from the blog - and to read the welcoming words hereon is humbling and warming. A sincere thank you from this lady! I’m very touched.
Chico’s pants. Now y’all gotta understand that it is not Chico’s fault! After all the required uniforms pants were made for the bullpen, there was very little material left. Always thinking of the team, Chico bravely volunteered to be the one to wear the pants from the remnants. Salute, Chico!
To capitalize or not….. I had rather offend everyone in the entire universe rather than risk offending God Himself. Don’t blame God for what mankind does in His name; blame mankind!
RAIN IS ON THE WAY!!! Hallelujah! Hopefully the drought and water restrictions will end! “Heavy rain..” - the prettiest words I’ve read in a long time! :-))
DOB, how’s Coltrane?
Gil, sorry to be slow in responding! Pleased to meet you, sir! You write a fine post and I’ve enjoyed reading them!
This lady has had one super-busy day and will most likely be asleep very soon. The sun will be up before I’m ready for it!
Wayward, ill-mannered bloggers - are here for one thing: attention. Why give them what they want? Spit that bait and turn a deaf ear.
By Mets rule. You drool
June 1, 2007 9:40 PM | Link to this
Best case scenario for you - you’re 3.5 games back tonight. How’s that taste?
By ernesto
June 1, 2007 9:44 PM | Link to this
So what do you do if your first string catcher is unavailable b/c your one of your pitchers sent him to the hospital?
How do they put a positive spin on that?
By Bob
June 1, 2007 9:44 PM | Link to this
Sorry Mets Rule, you lose 5-1
By ernesto
June 1, 2007 9:46 PM | Link to this
IlliniBrave - oh no you didn’t.
By fastasballs
June 1, 2007 9:46 PM | Link to this
That frenzied come back of one unearned run by the Muts has been silenced, 5-1 D-Backs.
You were saying Muts Fool?
By David O'Brien
June 1, 2007 9:48 PM | Link to this
THIS JUST IN: Ran into Bobby at restaurant tonight, and got the news that SMOLTZ IS OUT FOR SUNDAY, and CORMIER, Not Carlyle, will get Sunday’s start.
Smoltz and Carlyle will start Tuesday’s doubleheader vs. Florida, though haven’t decided which order.
By David O'Brien
June 1, 2007 9:48 PM | Link to this
THIS JUST IN: Ran into Bobby at restaurant tonight, and got the news that SMOLTZ IS OUT FOR SUNDAY, and CORMIER, not Carlyle, will get Sunday’s start.
Smoltz and Carlyle will start Tuesday’s doubleheader vs. Florida, though haven’t decided which order.
By ernesto
June 1, 2007 9:49 PM | Link to this
Good news from up here in NYC. Diamondbacks handle the Mets 5-1.
By Víctor
June 1, 2007 9:49 PM | Link to this
Hey Mets rule… by Monday we are going to be just 1.5 games behind your team!!! How about that?
By Steve from OH
June 1, 2007 9:49 PM | Link to this
Mets Rule-this is a Braves blog. Don’t you have anywhere better to be?
By fastasballs
June 1, 2007 9:54 PM | Link to this
DOB, Thanks for the update. We have all been waiting a long time to see Cormier pitch this year. He should be a great upgrade from the other pitchers who have held the 5 spot in the rotation.
By Víctor
June 1, 2007 9:56 PM | Link to this
Hey DOB, you were lucky enough to go to a restaurant… I am eating at my room because of the naughty wether!! no TV, at this moment!!!
By Mets rule, Fan a fool
June 1, 2007 9:57 PM | Link to this
My wife said I had no life for blogging here. I told her I was a fan who enjoyed talking and debating with other fans.
Then I pointed out Mets rule posts. I said, “now that is a guy who has no life! He goes to another teams blog to be a troll!”
She read he posts and answered simply, ” I see what you mean.”
By Drummerdad
June 1, 2007 9:58 PM | Link to this
SteelCav, nice read on Yunel. I looked at those stats on “Hoss” again with my son. They’re impressive.
On the Cubs front: Lou is somewhat used to this stuff. He was on the Yankees team in the mid 70’s when Billy Martin and Reggie Jackson went at it in the dugout during a Red Sox game. Then Lou and Rob Dibble tested the waters of their relationship when they were with the Reds. The Cubs will bring some game face on Saturday. I dare say they’ll be right motivated.
Carolina Lady: Most of us are always glad to consider the reasonable thinking you bring. As for the rain, they’re calling for 5 inches down here in the Low Country. We can use it too.
By Mets rule. You drool
June 1, 2007 9:59 PM | Link to this
Scoreboard jerks. Your 3.5 back. Plus we didn’t have Wright or Beltran - two all stars.
By Berigan
June 1, 2007 9:59 PM | Link to this
Bob, Journalist, Liked your 5.24 post! eric the elder, Your Grandmother couldn’t vote til she was in her 30’s, but back in the USSR,(not on Sgt. Pepper’s, was it?) a woman’s vote was worthless,(as was the man’s) the dictator always won, 60 year after women got the right to vote in the U.S. Last I heard, there wasn’t a lot of religion in the ol’ Soviet Union. To this day, a woman can vote in China, but everyone knows who will win come election day. I don’t think the people’s Republic of China talks a whole lot about God, do they?
By Berigan
June 1, 2007 10:00 PM | Link to this
Ok, back to baseball. Zambrano has something wrong with him. Well, besides the mental issues. The sometimes intelligent Steve Phillips mentioned this weeks ago on ESPN. Showed last year vs. this year on the mound. He looks way different. Not upright, either his back or his arm is messed up , and he is trying to pitch thru it. I heard Chip and Lemmer say his velocity is way down, he simply looks washed up, at 26!!!
Doesn’t it make you wonder why we lay people can spot a problem with a player(like Andruw’s very bad looking swing) and yet those around them don’t see it? Armando Benitez the other night with the the giants was pitching 88-91 and looked terrible, like it hurt his arm to throw, then the Marlins trade for him!!!! Mark my word, both Zambrano , and Benitez will end up on the disabled list, if not under the knife.
By Caleb
June 1, 2007 10:04 PM | Link to this
Now that the Mets are having some injuries, like every other team in baseball, we can see what their depth is like, and it ain’t pretty. Looks like they’re headed for a injury caused slump, just like the Braves had a few weeks back. I still think we have more depth than the Mets and it’s going to show.
By Mets rule, Fan a fool
June 1, 2007 10:05 PM | Link to this
“Plus we didn’t have Wright or Beltran - two all stars.”
Go out and buy a couple more!
Wahhhh wahhhhh cry baby!
lol
By Bob
June 1, 2007 10:06 PM | Link to this
Mets Drool,
My oh my you were missing your all stars? What a shame. Who do we send regrets to?
By Caleb
June 1, 2007 10:08 PM | Link to this
“Mets rule” stop whining. It’s pathetic.
By Víctor
June 1, 2007 10:13 PM | Link to this
Mets rule, did you remember that we are playing without the Mutts killer, we lose Gonzo for the whole year and Smoltz is dealing with some injuries… besides that we lose Hampton, Boyer, etc… AND WE ARE JUST 3.5 GAMES BEHIND A 120 MILLION TEAM PAYROLL… that should be hard to deal with it
By bruce
June 1, 2007 10:18 PM | Link to this
Dave: did you bowl in the Bowl-A-Rama on Thursday? If so, who was your partner and how did you roll? Thanks, Bruce
By David O'Brien
June 1, 2007 10:21 PM | Link to this
Hey folks, another request for anyone interested in being quoted in a story by Michelle Hiskey on Tuesday’s doublheader. Specifically, she’s looking for people who might be going to both games, or who might have a reason they’re NOT going to both.
Anyway, if interested, contact her (not me) at: mhiskey@ajc.com. E-mail her your quote (make it sound conversational, not all scholarly. And give her your name, phone number and hometown, in case she uses your quote (need to be able to verify it’s you, so no bogus numbers).
That’s all. Thanks in advance. Again, contact her, don’t send the quotes to me. Much obliged.
By Mets rule, Fan a fool
June 1, 2007 10:23 PM | Link to this
Maybe the Mutts can do a deal for Zambrano. Then they can make two deals for a Zambrano that can’t get anyone out!
That would be great to see that crazy Zambrano get into a dugout wooly with that wild eyed Lo duca. I think Lo duca might actually come up to Zambrano’s waist.
By eric the elder
June 1, 2007 10:23 PM | Link to this
Berigan, interesting points, and I don’t dispute any of them. However, they have nothing to do with what I said. Enough, though - - this is a Braves blog, and I again apologize for going off on a tangent.
By bruce
June 1, 2007 10:23 PM | Link to this
Three strike-outs in the game today a record? Wow.. one stike out for us and two for the Cubs. And only three walks… is that a record too? Thanks, Bruce
By Bob
June 1, 2007 10:26 PM | Link to this
Mets Drool,
If you have a VCR I could send you a tape of your 1986 World Series Championship Team….it is a bit grainy but you can make out your hero, Bill Buckner. VHS tapes had just come out back then.
By fastasballs
June 1, 2007 10:28 PM | Link to this
What’s a scoreboard jerk? Oh and it is you’re 3.5 games back. Are all Muts fans as ignorant as you?
I’m not saying the Braves will win the East, but over the next 10 games I can about assure you the gap will close.
By cubes
June 1, 2007 10:32 PM | Link to this
http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/news;_ylt=AnUgWPdqsFLCyRAogFh62Go5nYcB?slug=jp-cox060107&prov=yhoo&type=lgns
Bobby Cox ejection article
By parks
June 1, 2007 10:34 PM | Link to this
Funny how Chip has missed all these games and still destroys Wright’s #’s
By fastasballs
June 1, 2007 10:39 PM | Link to this
Did any of you see the picture in this weeks SI about the swing pitcher? That is something I have never seen before.
By Mets rule, Fan a fool
June 1, 2007 10:43 PM | Link to this
“What’s a scoreboard jerk?”
fastasballs, thats someone who reports the facts to Mutts drool when his team just lost.
By fastasballs
June 1, 2007 10:45 PM | Link to this
Geez, I meant picture of the switch pitcher.
By The Grinch
June 1, 2007 10:45 PM | Link to this
Y’all, please can the talk about religion if you don’t mind; in either direction it gives me indigestion.
Best burger: Double Whopper w/extra cheese, hold the pickle, large Cheesy Tots, and dump out a third of the Dale Jr. Coke and fill back up with Jim Beam. The 4 p.m. breakfast of champions; trust me.
Coach, “Master of Puppets” came out in ‘86, but it was Metallica’s third alblum (behind “Kill ‘em All” and “Ride the Lightning” in ‘83 and ‘84, respectively).
I never thought I’d see a mets fan that made No Chop Zone sound like a genius. What a douche.
By Rosalynn
June 1, 2007 10:54 PM | Link to this
Ah think it was on Pawla’s Island wheah Jimma and Ah fuhst came upon a hammock bone. (That’s low countra foah all the yanka bloggahs.) Jimma was lahing in a beautiful rope hammock when suddenla and without wahnin’ that hammock twisted a tuhn or two and threw mah Jimma to the ground! When Ah rushed up, the Secret Sehvice boahs had alreada gotten Jimma to his feet and dusted him off. But Jimma was not himself! He was slothful and unrula and he refused to get back in the hammock for 8 or 9 days in a row. It was then and theah that we detehmined Jimma had broke a hammock bone. Anah of you that have not had a hammock bone injura should not throw stones at hammock bone victims.
By The Grinch
June 1, 2007 11:03 PM | Link to this
WURLITZER ALERT! Put the voting on hold; we have a new entrant. This is from the story on the two new whale sharks from Taiwan (the last two lines):
“Their spotted flanks vanished in the tank’s blue distance, then reappeared as they completed their orbit. It looked like stars emerging in the night sky.”
Is this the same journalist who wrote so eloquently about turtles a week or two ago? DOB, better step it up, big fella; they don’t just give those Wurlitzers away, ya know. I’d suggest a scoop on the Hammock bone to pull you out ahead. Who is this “Mark Davis” cat? JJS, can you find us a photo?
By Caleb
June 1, 2007 11:04 PM | Link to this
Good night for the Braves. They win; Mets, Philly, Florida and San Diego all lose. So much for all those people saying to watch out for the Phillies. They barely get above .500 and promptly lose 4 straight. 13-0 tonight. They look terrible. How the heck did we lose 3 straight to them? Oh well, we had our slump, now for a nice run back to first place.
By David O'Brien
June 1, 2007 11:11 PM | Link to this
You guys would’ve loved watching the Braves watch Lou P’s press conference live today. They’re sitting around eating while Piniella’s going off, building to a crescendo, which the Braves are waiting for.
When Lou started going off about “get somebody that can catch the ball…” and all that, they were loving it. Then Lou gets up and cuts off the press conference. That disappointed everyone. We thought we were gonna see a classic Lou meltdown on live TV….
McCann said he could take Smoltz or Davies if a bright broke out between him and them. He was kidding. I said, “You wouldn’t have any problem with Huddy, would you? He’s small.”
McCann goes, “I don’t know, he’s got that new ‘stache.”
Have you guys seen Huddy’s new porn-star ‘stache? Wow. It’s circa-1978, Harry Reams stuff….
Ron Roberts, love that first Broussard album. Don’t have the latest. he’s the real deal, near as I can tell.
Snowball’s Chance, great religion story. That’s the kind of religion story we can deal with here.
OK, gotta go down to the record store.
Interpol playing here Sunday. Of course, sold out like everything else here. Glad I got Graham Parker ticket months ago for tomorrow show.
By JasonInMaine
June 1, 2007 11:14 PM | Link to this
Barret went to find Zambrano and was promptly sent to the hospital…talk about injury to insult!
By journalist jimmy smith
June 1, 2007 11:16 PM | Link to this
yes, grinch, journalist jimmy smith has had journalist’s eye on mark davis since the earlier monkey stories. another story worthy of mention is the panda story. here is an excerpt: “She’s growing steadily, playing readily, this little bear that so resembles a teddy.”
“That’s Mei Lan, of course, Zoo Atlanta’s baby giant panda, who underwent her weekly checkup Thursday. She’s in the pink.”
“That’s the color of her nose, resting like a sweetheart rose between two bright eyes.”
forgive jimmy smith for a tearful jimmy smith must now compose journalist’s self ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… .
that was some powerful journalism! yes, a possible wurlitzer winner in the making. still not sure it isn’t dob with nom de plume.
By David O'Brien
June 1, 2007 11:22 PM | Link to this
Andy, congrats on the marriage _ and on finding a girl who would go to a Braves-Cubs game on her wedding day. Wow. That’s too good to be true.
See if you can make it past 6-1/2 years. You’ll beat my sorry butt.
Stinger, totally agree with you Revolver _ much prefer it to Sgt. Pepper’s. And I also like Rubber Soul as much or more.
But none of them are as great as London Calling.
By JawjaHillbilly
June 1, 2007 11:24 PM | Link to this
Rekkin the Phailies got hold of a bad batch of crackrock?
By Víctor
June 1, 2007 11:26 PM | Link to this
DOB, today started ASCO(American society of Clinical Oncology)meeting & they expected 30K people over next 4 days…
By fastasballs
June 1, 2007 11:36 PM | Link to this
In other Muts news, Mota was knocked around in two innings of work. Not so great off the juice, huh? Also they had Julio starting at 3rd base.
DOB Is Escobar going to play third?
By A-ville Ranger
June 1, 2007 11:37 PM | Link to this
On a non baseball note,I’m watching the re-edited in chronological order Godfather saga.The horse head in the sack scene just played out. It was never revealed who did the deed before.I didn’t know till this very day that it was Luca Bratzy all along.
By The Grinch
June 1, 2007 11:37 PM | Link to this
Out in front as usual, I see; that’s why you have “journalist” in front of your name and all I have is “The.” Powerful journalism indeed; he is stronger than I thought. We gotta find out what DOB’s best writing tonic is (Hemmingway had whiskey, Poe had absinthe and laudnum, etc.) and send him a case post haste. Speaking of DOB:
DOB, that did indeed sound like fun. I hope you guys at least cleaned most of the buffet out before he pulled the plug. So, you say his post game conferences are different than Bobby’s? And Huddy’s got a porn stache, huh? Hope he doesn’t grow the Pontiac logo back too or he’ll look like that gay pirate on the old Tampa Bay football helmets.
By efuzz
June 1, 2007 11:43 PM | Link to this
DOB, Been reading the blog for a long time but never weighed in until now. You brought a smile to my face when you mentioned Le Tub. Lived in Hollywood 93 - 99 and had the best burgers ever there. Didn’t mind the grub over at Flickerlight either. Had my first Le Tub burger on a Saturday afternoon before heading down to Lincoln Road and catching an Iko Iko show. Great times. I almost signed on a couple of weeks ago. Had a chance to chat with Mike Mogus for a few minutes outside the Fox when Bright Eyes was in town. I happened to be strolling by the bus around lunch when he popped out and I recognized him. Really nice guy. Thought you could appreciate that. Now for baseball - I keep hearing everybody excited about Davies getting three hits today, but by my count, Zambrano got at least 5 hits of his own today (although M. Barrett might dispute that). Rimshot please. Ok, sorry about that. Keep up the good work.
By jed
June 1, 2007 11:44 PM | Link to this
—nice article on willie harris. is he hitting .400 yet? seriously, if this keeps up, how can tony la russa not put him on the all-star team?
—zambrano’s an idiot. wanta give $15 mil a year to an emotional 2 year old? probably not.
—so we’re calling up escobar. now we’ll have pete orr, woodward, prado, AND escobar. is this really necessary?
—i practically got laughed off the board last month when i said thorman wasnt gonna cut it as a full-time 1b. so i said ‘fair enough…i’ll shut up and we’ll check back in with thorman in a month.” well, ncscotts, don coburleone, etc, it’s been a month now. you dont have to bow or nothing, but you might want to at least acknowledge i had a point after all, eh?
By dgd
June 1, 2007 11:47 PM | Link to this
Great news that Cormier is starting—and that Smoltz is merely pushed back and not on DL. Several times in the past two blogs, people have referred to the “182 game schedule. It’s 162, not 182—you could look it up! Also, someone said that at least the Cubs are not the Nats. You’re right—the Nats are way better! No, really. The Nats’ manager, Manny Acta, is incredible. He has held that team together when they were losing big, when they were losing a starting pitcher a day and replacing them with rule 5 pickups and relievers. They’ve now won 14 of 21 games—and all of that “worst team ever” crap has gone away. Not only that, but there’s a chance they could have an all left-handed starting rotation within the next month (Matt Chico, Micah Bowie, Mike Bascik, Mike O’Connor, and Branden Claussen.) Wonder if that’s ever happened before……..
By ernesto
June 1, 2007 11:54 PM | Link to this
We’re still only 2-1 vs the Cubs - with Chuck on the mound tomorrow I just hope the wind is blowing in.
All that being said, boy, that Cubs team looks fugly. Maybe we just caught them on a bad day.
By jed
June 1, 2007 11:56 PM | Link to this
gotta agree on the ‘sgt. peppers’ thing. great achievement, but i far prefer the beach boys’ ‘pet sounds.’ and why have some big 40th anniversary celebration for sgt. peppers, and not for ‘blonde on blonde’ or ‘highway 61 revisited’? those albums are far superior to ‘sgt peppers’.
By Braves Fan 79
June 1, 2007 11:57 PM | Link to this
Dont get me wrong….id love to see the muts loose the division to the Braves…but while they send up good pitchitters like Julio Franco (who by tha way was one of my favorite Braves) we send up the dangerous “woodward”……haha….bobbys fascination with crappy players (example: giving redmen so many chances) (starting orr at 3rd) is why we wont win more games than the mets over a whole season.
So therefore….as much as it hurts to say this….whenever the mets play the diamdbacks, dodgers, phillies or padres….we better go for the mets. I know it kills most braves fans to say that…but towards the end of the season….everyone will see that our true competition is not the mets…but the other teams competing for the wildcard with us. Dont worry muts fans….well see you in the NLCS…where u know we can beat u head to head….especially if we have a healthy Smoltz,Chipper and Andrew.
Go Braves!
By Coach
June 2, 2007 12:01 AM | Link to this
In the eight games Chipper was already on the DL and we didn’t know it , Woodward , Prado and Orr went 9(all singles) for 32 which is a respectable .281 AVG. 6 runs scored , 0 RBI and 2 walks. Lets see just how long it takes for Escobar to match or exceed that. By the way , great job by Davies today. Did anybody notice the hit and run in the ninth ? I almost fell out of my chair. outstanding game from the offense and even better fight from the Cubs dugout. That kind of stupidity would never happen between Braves players in a clubhouse run by Bobby Cox. He inspires to much respect and class in his players , the Braves take out their frustrations on the opposition , not each other.
By eric the elder
June 2, 2007 12:04 AM | Link to this
For those who have their hackles up, I am constrained to remind you that I apologized - - not once, but twice - - for veering off topic. I regret to inform you that two is all you are going to get. I do not intend to wear a hair shirt for the rest of my life because I had the temerity to respond to a matter that was raised by someone else.
Permit me to point out that Carolina Lady, widely acknowledged as the queen of the blog, often talks about tractors, rain, and crows, to which I have yet to discern any perceptible relationship to Atlanta Braves baseball. Music and burgers have an equally mysterious connection.
If it pleases you to hold me to a different standard, you will get no complaints from me. A double standard is not necessarily a bad thing, a position I often took with my children whenever my preferences took precedence over theirs.
On my oath, my future posts will be limited exclusively to baseball. Peace.
By fastasballs
June 2, 2007 12:15 AM | Link to this
Also if Escobar does well, does he stay when Chipper returns or is Prado sent down? I would prefer Orr go of the trio of non production (Pete’s day was a fluke).
The bench would be instantly upgraded. When Chipper is back, the bench would be Escobar, Salty, Diaz or Willie, Pena, & Woodward. Prado/Orr, whoever is left goes down when Pena is recalled.
Other than Woodward in there I don’t see a huge downgrade if you plugged any of these guys in the line up. Of course Escobar is unproven but has proved he’s ready for his chance in the Show.
Having Pena as the 3rd catcher frees Salty up to pinch hit when the situation dictates.
By Coach
June 2, 2007 12:16 AM | Link to this
One more blog and time to hit they hay. Our competition for the division and wildcard are the Mets , Dodgers , Diamond backs and Padres. Guess which of these four teams are ranked in the top five in team ERA out of all thirty teams ? That would be…………all of them. Good night Gracie , sleep tight John boy.
By Mets rule. You drool
June 2, 2007 12:22 AM | Link to this
Good call Braves FAn79- that’s all I was saying and I got jumped by a bunch of jerks who couldn’t see the logic.
Join me - Let’s go Mets. Let’s go Mets. Let’s go Mets.
By meansonny
June 2, 2007 12:27 AM | Link to this
BravesFan 79,
I have to disagree with you giving up on the division title on June1st.
I understand what you’re saying. But I believe you’re misguided.
The Mets haven’t played San Diego yet. They haven’t played the Dodgers yet. They’re facing a white hot D-Backs right now.
It’s totally up to the Braves to take care of business. But the Mets will give Atlanta plenty of opportunities to take back the division lead (both head to head, and when they actually play playoff quality teams).
By The Grinch
June 2, 2007 12:28 AM | Link to this
Eric the Elder, if your 12:04 is in any way a referrence to my reaction about religion, please don’t be offended. I mean nothing personal (hence my saying “in either/any direction”); I was just raised that bringing up religion and/or politics in polite conversation is just something that shouldn’t be done unless you want everyone at each other’s throats. People who have been friends on here for months and even years will suddenly feel a great deal less about someone else, or even develop an immediate and intense DIS-like for each other when they’d been coming here as a means to escape from angry conversation elsewhere. There is nothing in the world more polarizing or generally inappropriate in a public forum (unless it’s a designated forum for religion/politics and you know what you’re getting into)no matter who or what you do or don’t worship, and the argument that pie and BBQ cause just as much damage is absurd. And I’m not singling you out; Carolina Lady, Bob, and anyone who wants to represent trees, whales or atheism….who/whatever…do it if you want to, it’s a free country. I’m just asking that you don’t, because it always opens a can of worms that rarely ever gets closed. Please, for God’s/god’s/these/those/god’s/no(G)ods sake talk about anything else. I’m now getting off my soap box and going to bed. I have no doubt a religious discussion will ensue. :-)
G’night, all.
By Bob, Journalist
June 2, 2007 12:29 AM | Link to this
Esteemed Ugandan from Cordele and “The” … y’all is somethin’ else!
As an aside, Atlanta’s baby panda is too … somethin’ else, that is … as are the three in Washington; Mama, Papa, and Baby!
By jed
June 2, 2007 12:33 AM | Link to this
article supporting chipper on the issue of interleague schedules being unfair. all part of bud selig’s grand vision—he who brought us the 5-game division series, and that ridiculous decision to have the outcome of the all-star game determine home field advantage for the world series.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/18729359/
By fastasballs
June 2, 2007 12:37 AM | Link to this
Muts rule, Your logic may apply later in the year if the Muts extend the lead to say 8-10 games after the break. It doesn’t apply now when only 1/3 of the season has been played and the Muts have a 3.5 game lead.
You can lose 3.5 games in a week, i.e. the Braves last week to the Mets. I know you guys are about to wet yourselves because you opened a few game lead & have declared the division yours, but the injury bug has hit the Muts & the next 10 games should be much easier for the Braves than the Muts. Expect that lead to evaporate in the coming games.
By snowball's chance
June 2, 2007 12:47 AM | Link to this
Grinch, nothing is as disgusting as mets fans on a Braves blog. What can be more inappropriate than that?
By Mets rule. You drool
June 2, 2007 12:56 AM | Link to this
How do you stand a chance? The Mets probably won’t lose 40 more games this year and your 4 back in the loss column. YOur team isn’t good enough to put togehter a winning streak that will make up those games - its just math - anyone can figure it out. The East is over. Your trying to beat the dbacs and Padres now. That’s all I’m saying.
By meansonny
June 2, 2007 1:12 AM | Link to this
Braves could have their hands full with Hill. But I’m thinking a big day for KJ, Matty, & Andruw.
Hopefully, Hill will struggle with his pitch count like Big Z, and leave a few off-speed pitches up in the zone.
With the Mets facing Livan Hernandez, the Braves should be able to shrink the lead.
By fastasballs
June 2, 2007 1:16 AM | Link to this
What type of equation are you using to come to that conclusion? YOU’RE simply a dilusional Muts fans who either doesn’t understand the game, math or YOU’RE just a complete idiot. Maybe all of the above would be a better description.
If the Muts win the division I’ll be happy with the Wild Card, but there is no way anyone is conceding the division after 54 games. Well, I should clarify, no sane person is declaring the division won by the Muts.
Maybe you just have the months confused. It is June 2nd, not Sept 2 so four games in the loss column amounts to nothing right now. The Braves can make up four games going head to head with the Muts or simply pick up a game a month on them. Doesn’t really matter, as I said before don’t be amazed when their lead is gone in the next 10 games.
By rupert
June 2, 2007 1:25 AM | Link to this
f*** the mets
By Wayne in Utah
June 2, 2007 1:38 AM | Link to this
To all you lost and misplaced Mets fans (lost on a Braves blog), I have one statement: Your Mets are the most fabulous team that has every been purchase….er, I mean assembled. Omar is brilliant, much more so that John Schuerholz, who can’t even convince his ownership to spend more money. I am sure it was due to your brilliance that you convinced them to spend more and more money on your team.
Also, your lineup is SOOO much better from top to bottom than ours. Even your bench and backup catcher are worlds better than whatever the Braves have to offer.
Willie Randolph makes Bobby Cox look like a rookie, since he is definitely the BEST manager who ever walked the face of the earth.
To top all this off, if one of our latin players tried to pee on his hands to toughen them up, he would probably just pee all over his pant leg or onto some else’s leg.
Last thought: I really hope you guys are able to sign Carlos Zambrano this winter, as he would be a definite asset to the glorious Mets.
Thanks for just allowing us Braves fans/team members to just get near your coattails. And congratulations on your past 15 year record, which puts you in a total class by yourself.
A humble, yet unworthy opponent…..
By Wayne in Utah
June 2, 2007 1:46 AM | Link to this
Two things come out of today’s game as BIG points:
1) Let’s hope the Mets sign Zambrano to a huge contract next winter.
2) We might have found our platoon for 1B with Thorman. Put Davies out there against tough lefties when he is not starting.
By Mets rule. You drool
June 2, 2007 1:47 AM | Link to this
See, it feels good to say. Good for you Wanye.
Seriously, the Mets will spend the rest of the year going 6-1, 5-2, 6-1, etc. The braves most likely 4-3, 5-2, 3-4, how are you going to hang in there.
All I’m saying is start trying to win teh wild card.
By A-ville Ranger
June 2, 2007 1:47 AM | Link to this
I have a confession to make.I read the NY Times,oh the shame.I make this admission to explain how I came across a story in the saturday june-2 addition of said news rag.The story concerns an inter-city NY middle school that has started a new baseball team and they have to use a paved area for their play.As I read I was reminded of Terrence Moore’s articles on the lack of facilities for city kids to play the game and my negative reaction to his words.I still think his blaming the league was unfair but my eyes have been opened and maybe my mind a bit as well.So Mr Moore I encourage you to pursue this cause in a positive, constructive way.My hat’s off to you.If any of you know Mr Moore please bring this to his attention,I’m sure he’s seen the negative stuff.
By David O'Brien
June 2, 2007 1:57 AM | Link to this
Jed, no doubt in my mind about Blonde On Blonde’s superiority to Sgt. Pepper’s. I’d take a half-dozen of Mr. Zimmerman’s LPs over Sgt. Pepper’s. At least a half-dozen. But I know Bob’s a polarizing dude to some who can’t get past his voice (which I happen to like; I think it’s perfectly suited to singing his poetry/lyrics, much as Tom Waits’ gravelly croak is perfectly suited to his).
Gimme: The Freewheelin’ Bob Dylan, Bringing It All Back Home, Blonde on Blone (my favorite of his), Highway 61 Revisited, John Wesley Harding, Blood On The Tracks, and Nashville Skyline, and Time Out of Mind.
Speaking of Blood on the Tracks, I just bought the new Golden Smog “Blood on the Slacks” after the rec from one of our fine denizens here. It’s got covers of Bowie and Dinosaur Jr. songs, including “Starman.” Great stuff. Just got it tonight.
Also bought a Tony Joe White CD of early-’70s recordings of the “Swamp Fox,” and Zevon’s “Preludes: Rare and Unreleased Recordings,” plus the Okkervil River “Black Sheep Boy” expanded two-CD set.
And smoked a little too much of a Montecristo cigar walking around in on a humid Chicago night watching prom-night young’uns piling into limos and making a lot of noise clamoring out of the fine hotels along Michigan Ave.
By Wayne in Utah
June 2, 2007 2:00 AM | Link to this
Just a few thoughts for those ready to pronounce judgement on Scott Thorman at this point in the season. I have calculated the number of plate appearances to produce an RBI for the Braves players: The leader is Frenchie, but you might be surprised with some of the other numbers:
Frenchie 5.56
Thorman 6.08
Andruw 6.17
Baby Huey 6.81
Hoss 6.85
Salty 7.20
KJ 7.80
Rent-a-SS 8.48
Matty 9.75
Willie 9.78
This is certainly not scientific (sorry Shaun) and there are a lot of factors that affect the number of opportunities a player has to drive in runs (placement in the order being the primary factor), but it does tell me that Thor-the Barbarian is not doing too badly at this point in the season. The dude has 6HR’s and 25 RBI’s at exactly one third of the way thru the season. So, if he goes on to play MORE than he did in April and early May, then I would expect those numbers to improve. He could end up with 20-25 dingers and 80-90 RBI’s. Not bad for a rookie! Lets cut the young man some slack, what say ye??
By David O'Brien
June 2, 2007 2:05 AM | Link to this
Efuzz, we probably crossed paths a few times in the early-mid 90s down in South Fla. Flickerlight. Yep, you know the area, for sure.
You ever go to Tobacco Road? “The Road is Open Till 5 a.m.” still one of my favorite T-shirts. Great music there, the only real dive in Miami now that they closed the good ones on South Beach and replaced them with velvet-rope “clubs.”
Back when there were a few of us Sun-Sentinel hacks covering preps, walking the sidelines at football games, keeping our own stats, filing from coaches’ offices (no damn verizon broadband cards back then, when we could’ve really used ‘em), we’d go sit for hours and close the Elbo Room on Ft Laud Beach. Now that’s way too touristy, too. And there’s four-star hotels on the strip where there used to be $39.95-a-night dumps with some deco charm.
Oh, now I just sound old. Later.
By David O'Brien
June 2, 2007 2:08 AM | Link to this
Watching the highlights again from the game today, watching Mt. Zambrano erupt.
He was showing up his guys all day, gesturing to his dugout after misplays, just being a real rotten teammate. But that’s him. He gets away with it when he’s dealin’ and winning a lot, but that gets old in a hurry from a 5-5 pitcher with a 5-plus ERA who has, by the way, won ONE game at home this season.
By A-ville Ranger
June 2, 2007 2:15 AM | Link to this
DOB The Pat Garrett and Billy the kid sound track is worth a nod.The guitar work on that one is unique in his work and it’s worth a listen just for that.It’s a good very interesting cd all around.This thingy do with Zambrano and Barrett wouldn’t happen on a Cox team.That’s just one more reason he and his teams are so resilient.
By Wayne in Utah
June 2, 2007 2:19 AM | Link to this
Could Lou’s man Zambrano be missing a key ingredient these days??? Is the ‘rhoids testing making it harder on some major leaguers?? Just wondering…….
DOB I don’t know about everyone else, but I will be excited to see Escobar tomorrow. Do you think Bobby will bat him 2nd or 3rd, with the lefty Hill going?? He has done that with some of the up and comers over the years (KJ was put into the 3rd spot, I believe)
I will catch your answer tomorrow morning, as it has been a long day….
By MS
June 2, 2007 2:28 AM | Link to this
I was wondering the same thing about Escobar. It will be interesting to see where he hits. I’d bet he’s starting for sure though. I think he’ll hit 8th if I had to make a guess (with Diaz at 2) but we shall see.
Also, DOB, do you have any more dirt on what went down between Zambrano and Barrett after the dugout? I heard they tussled again in the clubhouse and Barrett had a busted lip that sent him to the hospital, but didn’t was curious if you knew exactly how it all went down.
By A-ville Ranger
June 2, 2007 2:33 AM | Link to this
I doubt BC would turn the 3 spot over to Escobar.If for no other reason out of respect for the vets.DOB I used to have a book of Mr Zimmerman’s writing.I was a frustrated song writer myself at the time.What was amazing was reading the drafts of songs from the first scribles to finished product.It is without a doubt the most interesting peek into the man’s mind I have seen.I think my ex has it now.By the way we lasted just over 7 years(take that blogger man).
By Braves Fan 79
June 2, 2007 2:44 AM | Link to this
I cant believe the man went to the hospital for a busted lip….so much for old school toughness.
By serbok
June 2, 2007 2:44 AM | Link to this
*By fastasballs
June 2, 2007 12:37 AM | Link to this
Muts rule, Your logic may apply later in the year if the Muts extend the lead to say 8-10 games after the break. It doesn’t apply now when only 1/3 of the season has been played and the Muts have a 3.5 game lead.~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
PERFECT
By serbok
June 2, 2007 3:12 AM | Link to this
DOB can’t resist asking, When you read the blog~ Do you sometimes assign crazy lil’ voices to the person thats blogging?(as you read the blog) Ya know~ as~ characterized by that bloggers blogs?>
By Bob, Journalist
June 2, 2007 3:54 AM | Link to this
Cato, The Grinch, all
Maybe I missed something but I don’t see anything for which the elder Cato should apologize … I posted my reaction to David O’Brien’s post explaining why he used god rather than God in his writings … Eric then added his opine that Women’s sufferage indeed suffered at the hands of institutional religion which I’m sure has some basis in fact … to which I responded as did Berigan … differing views were expressed but methinks points were well made by all, without condemnation of any of the involved parties.
In point of fact, it would have been highly disappointing to find that Eric and Berigan held such views but failed to express them for fear of offending … which, ironically, is what prompted my reaction to David O’B’s post. My reaction to David’s post certainly had less to do with religion than it did with the potential for prostitution though in that response, I did share some of my feelings on the capitalization of God.
By jed
June 2, 2007 3:58 AM | Link to this
you know, a friend of mine in college once threw a copy of ‘magical mystery tour’ against the wall one night in a hunter thompson-esque rage, proclaiming crazily that it was ‘complete B.S.’ compared to the dylan we were binging on at the time, i gotta say he was right.
By serbok
June 2, 2007 4:19 AM | Link to this
All I can say is wow” Need to leave Religion alone! I would love to Sscribe my feelings to that NON_BASebALL subject~
disclaimer If ya wanna talk about our current government? Thats not BB either? I so much wanna end this with a “one liner” But~ I will not:o)
By Bob, Journalist
June 2, 2007 4:28 AM | Link to this
Wayne as I head to the hot tub, some Ernest Tubb, John Cash and bed … I humbly suggest that you watch Scott a bit more closely … he’ll most probably get there but he ain’t there yet … I shared your opinion before Willie harris appeared on the scene but, with a surplus of proficient leftfielders, it seems to make more sense to play Matt at first while Scott loosens up and refines his skills … from what I’ve seen, he’s totally exploitable at the moment.
By serbok
June 2, 2007 4:31 AM | Link to this
Bob, Journalist DUDE? Lighten up Bro’ ~I hope~your deity serves you well:o) Please NO MORE Religion? Thats meant to ALL Bloggers?
By serbok
June 2, 2007 4:48 AM | Link to this
LMAO! This blog is a TRIP! To the Muts fans~ Please Keep comming around~ You guys make me laff~ I ESPECIALLY enjoy the Barbs you guys have to take~!
By LA Brave
June 2, 2007 6:03 AM | Link to this
DOB, If you mentioned Werewolf he’d go apeshi* and onto a rant that was incredibly tiresome and bitter about how he was much more than that…and the license tag, sorry, was ZEEEVON…trust me, i understand the whole ‘don’t want to meet your heroes’ thing but he’s a fraud and if you really get into his lyrics and his music you can see it…Dylan has/had his personal issues as have all of the greats (Young, Townes, Hank, Bowie, Waylon, Waits, et al) but Zevon isn’t in their class (not even the same zip code) and his work really doesn’t stand up to scrutiny…it’s not authentic any way you cut it.
Anyway, I’m a big fan of you DOB and I read all of the blogs even when I don’t comment and it’s greatly appreciated and you deserve the award you recently won for best blog…keep ‘em coming…it gives me great solace here in LA to get a real look into the Bravos for the perspective of a true fan and a true professional. You’re the best…and the mix of music is a great touch — even if I disagree at times ;)
By ncscoots
June 2, 2007 6:44 AM | Link to this
McCann wins any battery brewup in the Braves dugout…pitchers hit him, but he’d just roll back up like one of those roly-poly deals :-)
Notes to Zambrano: (1) If you must remind your catcher of a passed ball, he’s likely to remind you of the 10 or 15 other pitches that didn’t hit his glove, either. (2) The best day to show up your catcher is not the day you’ve just spent throwing BP for 5 innings. (3) Stuart Scott thinks you’re a whole bedroom away from the other side of the pillow.
Someone mentioned a fear of playing a club in disarray because they could be dangerous, motivated, etc. All true, in some cases. Cubs, however, recently tried the players-only-meeting ploy, and were promptly drilled nine-zip (oops. Plan B.); have just been trashed publicly by their manager; and now must deal with a factioned clubhouse (though it’s hard to believe that anyone could take Zambrano’s side, I guess it’s possible he has SOME friends). My only concern would be the Braves trying to remain focused while averting their eyes, LOL.
I would dearly love to be there when Lou tells them to “shake hands and forget about it”, though. Now, THAT would be funny!
By ncscoots
June 2, 2007 6:56 AM | Link to this
jed, I don’t exactly remember the gist of our Thorman discussion, but I’ll give you that he’s had a less-than-stellar month. And if you judge strictly on BA and OBP, then I’ll say you were right about him.
But, of course, I still think you’re wrong, LOL. Give me another month, will ya? :-)
By LA Brave
June 2, 2007 6:58 AM | Link to this
PS I just read the latter comment on my quick stories…they weren’t ‘cryptic’ they were short for the purpose of the blog — the details would be paragraphs long, they weren’t decades ago for goodness sakes they happened in 1999-2000 but I knew him for 15 years…I also knew Cash, Waylon (I still talk to Shooter a coupla times a week), I’ve had Thanksgiving dinner at Waits’ house twice and they are legends and they are authentic, they practiced what they preach(ed)…blah, blah, blah boring i hate to even have to write that type of stuff but a man who was nasty to children and the homeless while holed up in posh beverly hills passing himself off as a man of the people i think should be exposed…don’t even get me started about the vh1 thing you really don’t want to hear about that…sorry guys i know it’s a braves blog, it’s late but i’ve had a couple
By ssiscribe
June 2, 2007 9:03 AM | Link to this
Top of the morning, everybody. Thanks in order to all for the well-wishes on the new job for the Scribe. Lots of work to do to get ready, but we’re excited nonetheless.
Now, baseball (noted transition by the Scribe): A split day for the Davies’ family. Kyle got it done up at Wrigley. His little brother’s team, Eagle’s Landing Christian Academy, lost to Calvary Day of Savannah in the Class A state championship series. But ELCA, which beat Calvary Day in last year’s state final in McDonough, finishes with another great season, and the little Davies — who I saw pitch in the second round of the playoffs — is a rising senior with tons of talent.
Now, hot dogs (watch this transition, DOB and JJS and other journalists on the esteemed blog): Scribing on the coast for a really good newspaper, living on the beach and having our family expand from two to four, I always needed lots of energy. So, this Scribe wholeheartedly recommends Willie’s Wee-Nee Wagon, just down the street from where I did my thing for several years.
Mr. Mike will take darn good care of you, as long as you don’t come in there with your rap music blaring (like a certain coastal resident who plays in the NBA (or, to be more accurate, tries to play in the NBA when he’s healthy and interested)).
Oh my, double parenthesis! Haven’t seen that on the blog since DOB pulled off the rarest of parenthesis, a TRIPLE parenthesis, back in spring training at Dark Star. Where is the Wurlitzer committee this morning?
Now, back to Willie’s (what transition!): Also, don’t sit on top of the picnic tables when you’re waiting on your order, as a certain Scribe has done a time or three. Mr. Mike doesn’t like that. Nothing like getting a big bag of Willie’s dogs and steak fries, and taking them bad boys back across the bridge for lunch in the Village or the beach on the SSI. Sweet!
But, nothing beats a chili dog at The Varsity, a place we’ve frequented since returning home to the Big A. Nothing like walking into that place for dogs and rings or fries, then hitting the Krispy Kreme on Ponce for coffee and a hot glazed treat to wrap up a day cheering on the Braves to victory!
(Boy, I need to hit the gym after that blast. Is there a cardiologist on the blog?)
OK, back to baseball (transition like crazy): Need to get two more this weekend. Great news on Cormier. If he can come in and pitch well, it will be a tremendous boost. Davies has pitched very well in four of his past six starts. Get Chuck James going, and the ballclub will be just fine. Hopefully, Smoltz can get back into the groove during the Tuesday double-dip.
At the 1/3-mark of the season, the Braves are on pace to win 93 games. That’s going to be enough, folks, to get this team into the postseason. Who cares about winning the division. There are, the Scribe reminds you, two goals: 1. Get into the playoffs. 2. Win 11 games. Plain and simple. Add water, stir, parade down Peachtree.
Time to go. Wedding day for a buddy of mine. Two more weeks, then a new chapter of my career begins. And, I’ll be in the yard Wednesday and Saturday this week, and my first day on my new job is also the opening day of the Red Sox series, for which I have tickets.
Gonna be a good month (much better than last June, when we plunged out of the race). For now, the Scribe abides. Peace and good will to all gentle (and not so gentle) denizens of the Braves/MIB/Pie/Toes/HotDogs Blogosphere.
Later.
—30—
By David O'Brien
June 2, 2007 9:31 AM | Link to this
Serbok, yes, I admit I do assign such voices. It’s bizarre, but must be somewhat normal/natural, since so many others here seem to have the same affliction.
By Braveheart
June 2, 2007 9:39 AM | Link to this
Magic Number is 113!
By eric the elder
June 2, 2007 10:17 AM | Link to this
BobJ, nice 3:54 post, my friend. Very classy.
It’s interesting that the way one is inducted into the hall of blog “regulars” is to use personal attacks and derision, calling people idiots and retards, using the crude language of pop culture, etc. One who strays from that is scolded for introducing inappropriate topics, even though our blog leader was the one who launched it. And so it goes.
By Steve McP
June 2, 2007 10:24 AM | Link to this
Saw Bob Dylan in Asheville last year, had looked forward to it for weeks, should have been a wonderful experience as both my wife and I are huge fans, but what a disappointment! Very poor acoustics (so the lyrics were lost), but worse was that he had no interaction with the crowd, and really no stage presence. Still like the albums, but always will have that bad memory when we listen to him.
By Braveheart
June 2, 2007 10:25 AM | Link to this
31-23 - 93 win pace - should be good enough for wild card. 17-7 when Smoltz and Hudson take the hill. 29-16 when Smoltz, Hudson, James, and Davies take the hill. Hudson, 8-4; Smoltz, 9-3; James, 6-5; Davies, 6-4; Redman, 1-5; Larew, 1-2, Carlyle, 0-1.
Redman, larew, and carlyle gave us 2-8, which is unforgiveable. What we needed out of them was a .500 record. 5-5 in those 10 starts would have given us a 34-20 record, a 102 win pace.
BUT if the Braves keep winning 2/3 of the games started by Smoltz and Hudson, they should have 44 wins in their 66 starts this year. If the Braves keep winning around 60% of the starts of James and Davies, the Braves should win about 39 of the 65 starts of Davies and James. That would give the Braves an 83-48 record in their starts. Then the Braves would only have to worry about the other 31 starts for the year.
Redman already squandered 6 of those starts and gave us a 1-5 record. So, that is 84-53. They are 1-2 with Larew. So, that is 85-55. 0-1 with Carlyle, so that is 85-56. We should only have 21 starts left to worry about.
So, if Cormier can come here and do an adequate job, this team will be in good shape. All we need out of Cormier would be a .500 record. If Cormier goes 10-10, the Braves should win about 95, 96 games this year. It could be even more if Davies continues to do well and has his confidence grow and if James continues to learn and starts getting us almost seven innings every start.
By fastasballs
June 2, 2007 10:31 AM | Link to this
I wonder how many millions Zambrano cost himself yesterday? I’m sure the Braves have zero interest in the guy now, if they even had any to start with. He’s quickly earning himself a spot in the baseball Hall of Shame. Ever read any of those books? Came out years ago, told stories of the biggest jack asses to ever to play the game & their antics. Funny stuff.
By Víctor
June 2, 2007 10:32 AM | Link to this
Morning guys… I have to go to my conference… I am coming back later(to see the game) and chat for a while!!!
By Shaun
June 2, 2007 10:32 AM | Link to this
DOB,
There are a couple of guys who said yesterday they have seen Hubbard “get in Andruw’s face” after he did not run out a grounder.
I’ve never seen or heard of any problems with Andruw’s effort recently (the past few years).
I think if there was a problem Bobby and guys like Smoltz and Chipper would handle it, right? And I’ve never heard of such since he was really young.
It’s funny how there is a small percentage of fans who view Andruw in the same light as a guy like Mike Vick. Even if your disappointed in Andruw’s career I don’t see how you can’t realize that a player has to put in a reasonable amount of effort to be the player he’s been over the past couple of seasons.
By Lew
June 2, 2007 10:35 AM | Link to this
Couple of things from last night-Drooling Mets Fan-A 3 1/2 game lead is insurmountable? Dude, if we beat you like we did the first half of the season (No reason to think we can’t-you can’t have Oliver Perez pitch twice a series), we will win another 6 of 9 against you. That right there is 3 of the 3 1/2 game lead. I would hardly concern myself with a measly half game lead until there were no games left to play. And come to think of it, don’t we end the season against you? DOB-Abiding Dude, you know I’m a Dylan fan. Blood On The Tracks and John Wesley Harding being my favorites (Desire is there, too). However, I would argue the Sgt. Pepper’s thing with you. Dylan is unparralleled as a songwriter, but SP was a monumentally influential album. I think much more so than anything that Bob put out. Not debating musical or songwriting ability here and certainly not downing the man’s voice-it is what it is and works fine, just influence on more listeners and musical direction for a larger number of people. Pepper would have to be the one-hands down.
By Braveheart
June 2, 2007 10:40 AM | Link to this
Smoltz and Hudson have been very good in almost every start this year. Smoltz and Hudson have only had one bad game each. One of Hudson’s other stat lines did not look so hot but that was because he was laboring and was left in the game a few batters too long but he actually did pitch well in that game and kept his team in the game. Smoltz’ last stat line did not look so hot because he got injured. But those 3 earned runs in 3 innings would have turned into 3 earned runs in 7 innings as he battled his way through if he had not been injured. So, i would only say that Smoltz has had one bad start. Davies has been really good in 5 of his 10 starts and kept his team in another game. Davies has been awful in his other 4 starts. James has kept his team in almost every game through 5 innings. I would only call 3 of his 11 starts bad, and in two of those bad starts, he kept his team in the game, so I would say that he has only really had one bad start and even in that game he kept his team in it through 5 before getting slapped around in the sixth inning by the Mets. SO, I think for the most part, Smoltz, Hudson, James, and Davies are doing their jobs pretty well for the Braves. NOW, if we could only get our hands on a fifth starter who could pitch merely decent.
By Jim
June 2, 2007 10:56 AM | Link to this
I have really liked Davies past few starts except the one against the Phillies. I discount the game against the Phillies because they are his nemesis. For whatever reason there is often one team that gives a pitcher a lot of trouble (think Maddux vs. Diamondbacks, Mariano vs Red Sox). I hope the rotation works out so that Davies doesn’t have to face the Phillies again this year. Other than that start, he seems to be settling into being a solid #4 (or better) pitcher in the rotation.
DOB. Is the wind blowing in or out today? James pitching in Wriggley with the wind blowing out is a bit scary.
By BossLady
June 2, 2007 11:07 AM | Link to this
I would much rather hear about Chicago’s happenings,and what’s going on in the dugout and Wrigley Field. I’ll hear all about GOD at church tomorrow. Thanks DOB, I feel like I’m there.
By Jim
June 2, 2007 11:07 AM | Link to this
DOB
If Cormier is pitching tomorrow and Escobar is being added to the roster today, the Braves will have to add Escobar to their 40-man and make another roster move to add Cormier tomorrow. Carlyle will have to remain on the roster to pitch Tuesday. What roster moves are we going to see?
My preference would be to cut Woodward and leave Escobar up to relieve Chipper once or twice a week and to give Edgar some rest a SS. This both opens a spot on the 40-man for Escobar and a spot on the 25-man for Cormier. When Chipper comes off the DL, could we be seeing the last of pete Orr?
By Braveheart
June 2, 2007 11:37 AM | Link to this
Race, religion, and politics are never appropriate on a sports blog or any blog for that matter. All very personal and very complex issues that can not be adequately discussed at length like they deserve in such a limited forum.
I rarely get offended by people of other religions or other faiths. I most often become offended by the vocal minority of my own faith (Christianity) because they often come off as judgmental, sanctimonious hypocrites who want to impose upon me and others how to practice our faiths and beliefs in Jesus and God.
Do you really think God gives two flips whether you write His name down as god or God? God could care less. He is not a human being with petty human emotions and petty human needs. He is the Supreme Being, not a human being. You are equating trivial human wants, emotions, and needs with a Being that does not concern Himself with such. When you act as if God cares about such, you are essentially calling God a diva or a prima donna. It is almost as vain as Joe D. insisting that he be called the Greatest Living Ballplayer any time his name was announced in public. I assume God is not a vain human being but rather that He is the Supreme Being. I assume He is not that insecure about His station in life and in the universe. I assume that he would actually be quite insulted if I thought I needed to tiptoe around Him because I was too scared too injure His fragile human psyche and ego by not properly addressing Him as God instead of god. But that’s just me.
I don’t think he cares whether any of us pencil His name down as god or God in the lineup card. I also don’t think he cares too much whether any of us bat Him leadoff or bat Him seventh. Although, He does seem to have a tendency to want to hit 3rd or 7th just judging from His Biblical numerical preferences. Moses I guess would say that He is supposed to hit in every spot in the lineup and that no one else should hit in the lineup because He could hit and run the bases at the same time since He is omnipotent.
But if I bat Him sixth, I don’t think He is going to pout, cry about injuries in a manner that He never has before, and asked to be removed from the lineup in the second game of a doubleheader against the Red Sox.
Like any good manager, God only cares about how much offensive production you put forth. He will measure you by your deeds, misdeeds, your willingness to admit your misdeeds, and your willingness to quickly fix your misdeeds. All He asks is that you take advantage of the gifts He has provided to us, that you treat your fellow man well, and that you also treat your fellow creatures of this Earth well (listening, Vick?).
Many will disagree and that is exactly why none of these topics should be discussed in such a superficial manner on a blog.
If using God instead of god brings you closer to God and makes you treat your fellow man better, then, hell yeah, go for it. But don’t be so intolerant that you judge others who don’t.
It could very well be that God holds the man who does not pay lip service to Him and who does not use His Bible as a sword and a shield to hide their sins in much higher esteem than the fellow who hides his sins behind the Bible and who pays more attention to form over substance in matters of faith.
By Carolina Lady
June 2, 2007 11:48 AM | Link to this
Eric the Elder, don’t let it bother you. People can be profane and vulgar to the nth degree and they find nothing wrong with it. But mention the name of God and panic sets in. (Wonder why…) Go figure! :-)
Talk about whatever you want. Everybody else does and, for the most part, I enjoy the variety. Whatever doesn’t interest me, I scroll over.
By MBATL
June 2, 2007 11:50 AM | Link to this
Zambrano and Barrett weren’t the only ones with emotional days on Friday.
Have you guys seen the VIDEO of Miss. Braves mgr Phillip Wellman getting ejected yesterday? Great stuff.
By Lew
June 2, 2007 11:53 AM | Link to this
Braveheart-Please don’t get started. We don’t need Shaun discussing God’s OPS or whether he moves runners up enough. Let’s let it go.
By David-ATL14
June 2, 2007 12:01 PM | Link to this
JMO- but as long as Bobby is there, Orrr is there. I suspect Prado will be sent down tommorrow. Anther position player can be added after the Doubleheader on Tuesday.Hopefully it’s Pena and Salty can see some time away from backup catcher duties.
By snowball's chance
June 2, 2007 12:01 PM | Link to this
DOB, speaking of religion I know you have The Old Alterboy by Waits. That song cracks me up.
The pregame on TBS was good yesterday with a prof from Emory U explaining the Physics of baseball. My favorite was that the scientific term for the sweet spot on the bat is the center of percussion. There aren’t many feelings better than nailing a baseball with a wooden bat on the sweet spot. The sound, the feel,the expectation of extra bases. Do any amateur baseball programs use wooden bats anymore? DO all levels of the pros use wood?
By Carolina Lady
June 2, 2007 12:11 PM | Link to this
Lew, that was funny! LOL
By P-Town Brave
June 2, 2007 12:22 PM | Link to this
So its about 40 minutes to first pitch and no lineups announced yet…Whats the deal?!?! Is Bobby still asleep in his office?!?!
By Lew
June 2, 2007 12:22 PM | Link to this
Thank you Ma’am-It won out over what bat Noah used to keep the dinosaurs under control on the ark.
By Braves Fan 79
June 2, 2007 12:29 PM | Link to this
I shure hope cox starts Escobar over orr or woodward today! And when chipper comes back i hope we send woodwards butt packing! Whats the deal with us trading the mets crappy platers for ours?? We take in hampton (who was never a big game pitcher to start with), and give them Glavine. We take in woodward…and give them our best pitchitter (julio Franco) John Scherultz: NO MORE CRAPPY EX-METS RETREAD PLAYERS!!! I reaize time warner really messed up this team by being cheap…but its time to fix this mess. Bring back Glavine next year and if woodward is on the playoff roster ill know something is seriously wrong with managnment of this team!
By IlliniBrave
June 2, 2007 12:33 PM | Link to this
Interesting article in SI on the top 50 earners in sports. Three observations:\
Totally dominated by basketball - over half. The economics of the NBA are just absurd. I watch less and less of it every year.
Michelle Wie is #23 at a cool $20M. For a 15-yr.-old who has yet to win ANYTHING! What a sham - and a terrible injustice to Annika Sorenstam who can kick Wie’s a$$ every which way.
The Stankees, no surprise, have six of the top 50 - Jeter, A-Rod, Clemens, Petite, Giambi, & Damon. And they totally suck.
I pray the Braves don’t have someone on the list next year. A $15-16M contract next year for Andruw would make him one of the top 50 paid athletes in America.
For those AJ lovers out there - is he really worth that much?
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/more/specials/fortunate50/2007/index.html
By David O'Brien
June 2, 2007 12:37 PM | Link to this
ESCOBAR IS HITTING SECOND, behind Prado. It’s a youngster-sprinkled lineup, with Salty catchin.
Escobar didn’t arrive until 10:30 today because his flight to Chicago was diverted due to storms late last night, had to spend the night in Fort Wayne, Ind….
And yes, all levels of pro ball use wooden bats. None of that rinky-dink aluminum crap.
By Steve from OH
June 2, 2007 12:38 PM | Link to this
Bobby will start Escobar today, he always starts new call-ups on their first day here.
By IlliniBrave
June 2, 2007 12:42 PM | Link to this
One more observatio from SI’s top 50 earning athletes:
One person sure to drop off the list for next year: Mike Vick. He made #25 based on his $13M salary plus $7M in endorsements - which suddenly evaporated. I sure hope he enjoyed those dogfights, because that turned out to be one damn expensive hobby.
By krath
June 2, 2007 12:51 PM | Link to this
James, fly ball pitcher. Wind blowing out in Wrigley. YIKES!
Braves outfielders may have to wear neck braces in the outfield to keep from straining something watching balls go over their heads!
Hope that’s not the case. But I would be a bit uneasy about this one.
By eric the elder
June 2, 2007 12:59 PM | Link to this
Carolina Lady, thanks for the reassurances. BTW, my reference to you as queen of the blog was meant to be a compliment. Hope you took it that way.
Braveheart, I always look forward to your posts and got a good laugh out of your last one. You began by telling us “Race, religion, and politics are never appropriate on a sports blog or any blog for that matter.” Then you gave us a hefty treatise anyway. It was clever, though, and I truly enjoy posters who don’t take themselves too seriously.
By Bob, Journalist
June 2, 2007 1:03 PM | Link to this
Elder Cato,
Thanks, but At 3:54, the keyboard has a mind of its own … there’s no telling what’s going to get posted.
Some folks don’t like peeling the layers of the onion, unless of course it’s a Vidalia … they miss so much, seeing only that which they expect, wish or imagine.
Yours is a most astute observation, consisting itself of multiple layers … I’m often reminded of George’s famous remark “God, how I hate the 20th Century” or words to that effect … and wonder what he would have thought of the 21st!
Perhaps it would have been better to have simply said that I was bemused by what appeared to be a defence mechanism that asserts one’s action was designed to avoid the possible offending of some when it was absolutely certain to be considered offensive by others.
It’s been my experience that it’s seldom understood by those who score 50% on a true/false IQ test … that those who score 0% demonstrate the same level of intellengence as those who score 100%.
Interesting lead on WGN … devoted to yesterday’s interlude
Later
By Don
June 2, 2007 1:08 PM | Link to this
Speaking of Chicago and arm surgeries, there is a terrific piece in today’s New York Times on Kerry Wood and the incredible stress throwing a baseball puts on the elbow and shoulder.
http://www.nytimes.com/2007/06/03/sports/playmagazine/0603play-wood.html?hp=&pagewanted=all
The article attributes a lot of arm injuries to pitchers who are tired and/or hurting altering their mechanics to find an arm slot that allows them to minimize pain and maintain velocity.
I wonder if the move to the one inning flamethrowing relief pitcher in the last 20 years isn’t creating a lot of injuries. And when I read about Kerry Wood’s mechanics I think about Mike Gonzales. Some have wondered if the Pirates knew or suspected he was damaged goods. Perhaps they didn’t but thought his mechanics combined with his size and velocity made him an accident waiting to happen.
By Drummerdad
June 2, 2007 1:12 PM | Link to this
Could be a tough game today. Cubs should be motivated and Braves lineup has question marks.
By Carolina Lady
June 2, 2007 1:13 PM | Link to this
Eric the Elder, I understood your intent and thank you for it! The blog would indeed get dull if only baseball was permitted. Life without eastern NC BBQ? Pies? Music? Recipes? Sweet tea, baby seals and hartebeasts? Unthinkable!
Game’s on!!
By fastasballs
June 2, 2007 1:19 PM | Link to this
I feel so much better with Prado leading off instead of KJ, lol.
By fastasballs
June 2, 2007 1:23 PM | Link to this
Wasn’t it last year the Braves hit 8 dingers on a day similar to todays?
Better get some runs, James is going to give up at least 2-3 dingers.
By David O'Brien
June 2, 2007 1:25 PM | Link to this
YUNEL SINGLES IN FIRST AT-BAT…. DOUBLE-A MANAGER LOSES MIND….
oh, and NEW BLOG IS UP!
By A-ville Ranger
June 2, 2007 1:30 PM | Link to this
Don I also wonder whether the Pirates had some info or suspicion concerning Gonzo’s elbow.I posted a rhetorical question asking if Leo would have recommended signing him.It seemed most Braves pitchers in his years had solid simple mechanics.A short comment on Kerry Wood.Before His injury he had the most electric fastball I’ve ever seen.
By MEB
June 2, 2007 1:30 PM | Link to this
Red Sox fans wearing blond wigs at Fenway last night in honor of A Rod. Priceless!!!
By songwriter jimmy smith
June 2, 2007 1:36 PM | Link to this
6 Snappy Spicy Tender German Sausages
6 Snappy Spicy Tender German Sausages
6 Snappy Spicy Tender German Sausages
on a plate!
and now, baseball … the escobar era has begun. this journalist advocates the move of chipper jones to first base as soon as the hammock bones have healed. and where is doc when we need to learn more of hammock bones?
By efuzz
June 2, 2007 10:11 PM | Link to this
DOB, did Tobacco Road a few times. Always got good music there. South Beach is just too different for me, as is Ft Lauderdale. Spent some nights at Summers on the Beach - friends with Stranger (a Tampa band you may have heard of)and they used to play there a lot. Everything is all shiny and new down there now. Nothing much I like any more, but there are a few dives in Dania if you’re feeling grubby. Were you still there when the Marlins won it all? I scored 2 seats for game 7 and took my 8-yr old son. It was wa-a-ay past bed time, but we weren’t leaving. Great father and son memories that baseball is made for. Anyway, I sound like a columnist in a Hiaasen story bemoaning the loss of the seedy side of Fla, so I’ll stop. We’ll have to catch up on old Fla stories another day.
By Daxxed
June 5, 2007 9:36 PM | Link to this
Once again…man on 2nd and 3rd 1 out and then no runs but 2 straight going for the fence outs…AJ and Frenchy…wile the Marlins got 2 on and scored them with stealing and hitting…yes hitting just a little hit scores 2…they were not going for the fence just the hit… Why can’t we just go for the hit instead of the fence to win…Why!..Why!
By xhfyi wjdm
June 8, 2007 11:45 PM | Link to this
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